It’s a great phrase, isn’t it? Let us not lose heart – consider it for a
moment. There are six times in the New Testament where the
admonishment is to not lost heart. In these six verses, we have God’s
prescription for the blues. How does God prescribe picking ourselves
up when feeling down and out? Please give some thought to each one
on these passages.
Pray always (Luke 18:1). If you turn to the passage, you will find these
words, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to
pray and not lose heart.” Luke goes on to record the parable of the
persistent widow. God is not like the cruel judge who only caved to
provide justice to the widow because she wore him down. God is all
loving, He will avenge His own who cry out and bears long with His
people. When feeling down, remember that men ought to pray always
(1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18). Often when down, one can feel
isolated and alone; Jesus reminds us that this is the never the case
because our Father is always with us and this should help us to never lose heart!
Remember God’s mercy (2 Corinthians 4:1). “Therefore, since we
have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”
Two things to keep in mind here. First, as those who have obeyed the
gospel of Jesus Christ, we have been recipients of the mercy of God.
We have received forgiveness and find ourselves in a right relationship
with God through Jesus. Second, we have a service to offer God to help
others to receive God’s mercy as well. We do not lose heart when we
remember that in Christ we have hope! Do you want to keep from
losing heart? Share the gospel with someone else!
Focus on the invisible (2 Corinthians 4:16). “Therefore we do not
lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward
man is being renewed day by day.” The changes in our physical state
can be seen by looking in the mirror – God says, give focus to your
soul! If our focus each day is on the physical, it can be quite
depressing. However, if our focus is really on the spiritual, on our souls
condition, on heaven and going to be with God – on the spiritual
blessings found in Christ – we should truly be the happiest people
alive! The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which
are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Do good (Galatians 6:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:13). “And let us not
grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do
not lose heart.” “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing
good.” It is possible to feel down when we sit down. In other words,
the longer we sit and contemplate our misfortune or troubles, the
easier it is to stay in a state of despair. God’s prescription for the blues
calls on His people to look for opportunities to do good in the lives of
others. It is an imperative, a command, and it is simple – do good! We
tell our children from early in their lives to BE good. We know what we
mean when we say it. God says, “DO good.” It is not hard to
understand, is it? We will reap God’s ultimate display of goodness if we
do not lose heart!
Continue in Prayer. Be aware of God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:13). “Therefore I ask that
you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” In
the context of this verse, Paul has reminded the Christians in Ephesus
of God’s great overall purpose of the church.
If you look beginning in
verse nine, here are some wonderful truths to contemplate concerning
God and His purpose.
First, God’s divine purpose goes back to the beginning of time (verses
9 and 11). God has done and will never do anything on a whim – He
had a plan for man’s salvation from the beginning of time.
Second, God’s plan for saving man is accomplished in Christ Jesus, our Lord (vs. 11).
Third, this purpose was hidden in times past as it was being
accomplished, but has now been fully revealed (verses 9-11). Fourth,
God makes His purpose known through the preaching of the gospel to
all men (verses 9-11).
Finally, those who receive the gospel through
obedience enjoy the highest earthly communion and fellowship with
God that is possible (verses 6 and 9). Because God has always had a
plan to make salvation possible, if we will focus on God’s overall
purpose and see His eternal plan – Paul says that this should help us to
not lose heart! Isn’t this right? Paul was suffering when he wrote this
letter, but reminds these Christians that it is all worth it because of the
glory of the message of salvation. Remember what God has done for
you and share it with others.
Truly, this is God’s prescription for the blues. Oh friends, may we use
these uplifting passages to help us to look to Him and to all He has
done and continues to do and may this help us to never lose heart!
-Adam Orr
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