Bounce Back

 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me. Psalm 54:4

How are you feeling today? Perhaps a dead end feeling where you just do not know if you can go on. Circumstances in your life may have just reached the point you do not know where to turn. This could be as a result of a loss of some sort. Maybe loss of a family member, loss of a dream, loss of good health. Whatever it is, you can make it and you can bounce back on go on! "But I feel so down and out and discouraged" you may say. God does know how you feel and He is your comfort in times of trouble. There have been  times in my life I let things overwhelm me and I just had to get away and get into the Word. Sometimes doing something for others is an excellent remedy.

When feelings overwhelm you and you just want to run away, that is not a feeling from God. That is right from the pit of hell and from Satan. He is not a comic book character with a little red pitchfork but is roaming around seeking to destroy us. The Bible tells us in James 4:7 to "resist the devil and he will flee from us".  Satan is a master of messing with our thoughts and our minds. It is necessary to stay focused on good and not evil. Get control of your mind and fill it with the Word of God.

If you need to 'bounce back' pick up your Bible and open it to the book of Psalms, John, or Proverbs. Just let God's word heal you.

PRAYER: Lord I know you love me and it is not your desire for me to go through life despairing. I trust in you Lord and know your words will guide me and strengthen me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to worship God in song.

http://youtu.be/DXDGE_lRI0E

NOT SO MERRY?

At Christmas season we are told to be merry, joyful, happy, and have peace on earth and good will. What if you just went through a loss of some sort? Then it may not be easy to rejoice or celebrate. At times like these it is necessary to not rely on your feelings. Sometimes you have to make a choice to have joy whether you feel like it or not.

Sadness is a part of life. Do not allow sadness to drag you down so bad you can not enjoy life. This time of year has a high incidence of suicide. Who puts thoughts like that in our minds? It is not Jesus. Satan likes to drag us down. And get us dwelling on all the bad stuff in life. Those who have lost family members to suicide can attest to the deep sadness and a host of other emotions. Allow Jesus' to transform your pain into reaching out to others. Sometimes getting involved in another persons life can help transform your deep pain.

Try to get your focus on "above". Phillipians 4:8(NIV) says 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.' Do not feel you have to fit into a cookie cutter mold of what this time of year is supposed to be. Trust God to carry you through.

PRAYER: Lord I need you every hour. At this time of year many are sad and many hurt. Help me recognize that not all are filled with joy. Show me how to minister to someone who may be hurting. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255

DON'T GIVE UP!

What it is in life that is getting you down with discouragement and
despair? Perhaps it is loss of a job? Maybe an illness that threatens
your life? Is it maybe the state of our country if you are reading
this from the United States? Loss of a friend or family member to
death recently or in the past? Perhaps guilt over abortion? Maybe you
are pregnant and unmarried? Whatever it is God hears and understands.
Sometimes when people feel "down" they may listen to "wrong

voices" and feel that the only way out is to end their life. My
friend, that is never the way out. Ask any surviving family

members of those who have committed suicide.

On talk radio the other day there was a former Navy Seal who called
in, and I wish I had his name to give him credit for something. He
had lost his leg, arm and was suffering greatly, feeling very down but
he said that talk radio "propped him up when he felt like giving up".
That is sort of how God is and our friends too. When you run to God
and run to the Bible you can have peace. When overcome by discouraging
thoughts it is necessary to not drown your problems in alcohol or
drugs. Those cures are placed in your head by the enemy who is out to
destroy you. God is here to make you whole and to get you through the
tough times to the rainbow that awaits you on the others side.

Sometimes a friend just needs to talk it out. At times you may be
tricked by Satan to not unload your burden and get help. Thoughts such
as, you will be made fun of or your friends will not want to be with

you anymore. Don't believe it! In 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV) it says

'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing.'

You are of great value to God. He has a purpose for you. He wants you
to run your race to win. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says 'God is our refuge and
strength. A very present
help in time of trouble.' Run to Him today.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for helping me through the storms of life that
come my way. I know Lord I need to get into the word when the enemy
gets me thinking gloomy thoughts. It is only through you that I gain
strength for each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song to lift you up.
http://youtu.be/CZzUFei6slA

I have included links to some hotlines for those in crisis:
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE 

Prayer Hotline:1-800-759-0700 (Operated by volunteer counselors from
The 700 Club)
Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP 
Runaways Hotline:1-800-RUNAWAY
Veterans' Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 
ALL ISSUES: 1-800-AFAMILY (Not 24 Hours)