Notes From the Pastor's Desk
February 2, 2025
You Don't Need to Lose heart
Psm. 43:5 says, “Why art thou cast down, Oh my soul?” That sounds like a question from a soul that is struggling. One of the greatest struggles you will ever face is that of you with yourself. There was a warfare of the soul that the Psalmist faced and had to come to grips with in his life. The same is true of me and you (Rom. 7:19).
I. The Reality of the Possibility of Losing Heart
We see the reality of it every day. It is no wonder Paul wrote, “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). The Greek New Testament word for “faint” means “to become despondent or weak in heart.” We must remember several things about this matter of losing heart. First, it can happen to anyone. Don't ever think you are above that happening to you. As well, it can cause failure in building up your treasure in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4). We don't get much done for the Lord when we have lost heart in our service. Notice also it has happened to some of the best of God's servants. I have read even of many of God's servants who had a problem with becoming dispondent.
II. The Reasons for the Possibility of Losing Heart
There can be quite a variety of reasons why this occurs. Sameness can discourage us. If we are not careful, life becomes monotonous, as we go through much of the same routine every day. Consider also a lack of health that can bring this about. When you don't feel good from day to day, it can work on your mental state, as you get tired of the pain and discomfort you bear. When we lose loved ones in death, especially someone as close as our husband or wife, we can feel drained, having given up someone as precious as a marriage partner. In addition, when we feel friends have let us down, we can become greatly disheartened.
III. The Resistance Against Losing Heart
You should get rid of that kind of feeling by action. Convince yourself that every effort is worthwhile. Anything we do heavenward is worthwhile. Another way to resist is to realize the power of God is available in the time of our weakness. When we are weak, it is then the power of Christ can rest upon us (2 Cor. 12:9). It is also a good idea when you are suffering to remember that many others are suffering much more than you. It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves when we have a minor problem and forget someone else is having a major difficulty. Then, the last thing I would suggest is to remember the sufferings of Christ. He suffered more than anyone else has ever suffered. There is nothing like just coming to the Lord Jesus and crying as did Peter, “Lord save us, we perish” (Matt. 8:25).