READ HEBREWS 10

VERSES 35-36

“So don’t lose your confidence. It will bring you a great reward. You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised.”

Why have I hidden myself away?

The rougher roads of life have beaten me down and I long to secure a peaceful retreat from the world physically, socially, and mentally. My desire to live a distant, withdrawn, and secluded life, however, is diametrically opposed to what I crave.

The true test of my spirituality has come up against injustice, degradation, ingratitude, and turmoil, and simply – the world around me has made me spiritually lazy and silent.

Why do I continue to be bothered?

I have used the social and personal silence in prayer and Bible reading for the sole purpose of finding that peaceful, quiet retreat.

When my peace and joy of Jesus Christ is just that and not for the true realization of Him it is no wonder my road has become a crumbling pothole. I do not want to be stirred up. All I want is to be retired from this world.

What is wrong with me?

I am consumed with my own existence that my gaze is always cast down instead of up. I look up to see others sharing the same uneven path. We belong to Christ. My encouragement lies in our collective encouragement as we press forward in a shared faith of redemption and a life that only can be lived through Him who saves.

The peace of God that surpasses all understanding is ours.

Dear Lord, I praise Your Name in Christ Jesus who You have given to free us from our sins. Forgive me for our selfishness and I pray not only for my encouragement but for all others who come to You for forgiveness and peace. I am grateful beyond measure for Your encouraging presence. I love you! In Jesus Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

Praying for others is one of the ways we can encourage each other even if we do not know their specific circumstances or name. God intimately knows their names and their circumstances. The back pages of my prayer journal are reserved for family, friends, and others who need or have requested my prayer. I pray daily that they see God’s presence and feel His comforting peace.