“For the despondent (depressed and miserable), every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” Proverbs 15: 15
The way we respond to things means everything. We can’t always choose circumstances, but we can most certainly choose the way we respond. The secret to a happy heart is filling our minds and thoughts on things that are true, pure, and lovely. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4: 8; This was Paul’s secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. So what are the things you allow to enter your mind? What do you choose to dwell on?
Yesterday, I caught the end of a teaching where the message was…You are someone that has a good life if you are absolutely trusting in the promises of God. The world may be falling apart around you, or your own circumstances may be trying to choke the life out of you, but if you are 100% confident that God is in control and that He has a good plan for your life… you may be feeling down, but you’re not feeling hopeless! You know that God will turn your mourning into dancing, and even though it may be a long night of sadness… Joy comes in the morning! I also once heard that if a Bible is falling apart, the person who owns it usually isn’t. What a great truth that is. Can I get an Amen?
“A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.” Verse 17
“A hot –tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.” Verse 18
“A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.” Verse 19
The “path of the upright” doesn’t always seem easy, but look at the alternatives! Hatred(verse 17), dissention(verse 18) , and laziness(verse 19) cause problems that the upright does not have to face. By comparison, his or her life is a smooth, level road because it’s built on a solid foundation of love for God. “But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6: 49
(This last paragraph is from the NLT Commentary)So why would someone build a house without a foundation? This question begs for an answer. Perhaps to save time and avoid the hard work of preparing the stone? Possibly because the waterfront scenery is more attractive or because beach houses have a higher social status? Perhaps they want to join their friends already settled in the sandy areas? Maybe because they haven’t heard about the violent storms coming, because they have discounted the reports, or because they think disaster can’t happen to them? Whatever their reason, those with no foundation are shortsighted, and they will be sorry. Obeying God is like building a house on a strong, solid foundation that stands firm when storms come. When life is calm, our foundations don’t seem to matter. But when crises come, our foundations are tested. Be sure your life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.
Would you like to accept Jesus as your Savior? You can ask him now…
Dear God, I know that my sin has separated us. I want a new start. I believe Your Son, Jesus, died for my sins and rose to life—He’s alive. Jesus, come into my heart, and make me a new person. You are Lord of my life and I praise you! Please begin to direct my life. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life! In Jesus’ name I pray.
~ God isn’t concerned with your words as much as He is with your heart:)
