Welcome to Tuesday, August 3rd!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Do You Need A Little Encouragement?

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Do You Need A Little Encouragement?

As I listened to the news this morning, the news anchor reported on several serious shootings across the United States with loss of life and injury. Following that report, she talked about the possibility of masks and shutdowns being implemented again in various areas.

I changed channels over to a western show. Why? Because these reports were discouraging! The world seems to be out of control! When people ask me about the conditions of the present world, I remind them that when God is excluded from society, men and women do what comes naturally.

As a result of this, I have been thinking lately about the last verse of the Book of Judges.

Judges 21:25 NAS95

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Granted, this verse is talking about a human king but think about this as well. The people had set aside their real king; they forgot that God was their King.

We all understand what it means to do what we desire to do. However, we also know that when God's Word and rule are rejected in society and culture, men and women become the standard by which they live.

Have you noticed that man's reasoning these days is often upside down?

Isaiah 5:20-21 NAS95

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  [21]  Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!

This is undoubtedly the direction of our current world. We live in a day of great moral confusion where nothing is off-limits. There are no boundaries. The movers and shakers of this new so-called enlightened culture seek to use clever arguments and deception to overturn all moral values in society.

So, how are we, meaning you and I, to remain encouraged, hopeful, and full of joy?

When I pray and list out all of the things that discourage me, the Lord meets me in my time of need. So we can pray for a joy that extends beyond both our personal and cultural struggles.

I also find that if I acknowledge that these struggles in my life and the world are a test of my faith, it causes me to turn to the Lord even more. Do you remember James' words:

James 1:2-3 NAS95

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  [3]  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  

God gives us the ability and assurance to see beyond this world even though trials and temptations surround us.

During these difficult times, there is no better place to turn than the Bible. It is the word of God. How about beginning by reading through the Book of Psalms?

During these times, it is also essential to be around other believers. We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. You can find the encouragement that you need by surrounding yourself with other believers.

I know that it is hard at the moment to be encouraged and joyful in light of what is going on in the world. Yet, God is still the same. He is there for you. He knows what is happening and is in control of all.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We live in discouraging times.

We wonder how it came to this and where it is going.

Help us realize that You are there for us and that You are fully in control.

Draw our hearts and minds to You this day in faith and trust.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!