“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

Naysayers are a dime a dozen. You don’t have to look far to find someone who will tell you

• who’s better than you … what’s wrong with you …
• when you’ve been a disappointment …
• where you don’t measure up …
• why your future looks bleak!

But where do you turn when you need to feel good about yourself, about the world around you and about what the future holds? God’s Word, of course.

The very same pages that exhort you to “rejoice always” give you hundreds of compelling reasons to do so. Here’s a sampling of the encouragement and inspiration you’ll find in the pages of Scripture.

Knowing you’re not alone in a given situation, whether it’s an important job interview or a confrontation with a loved one who needs to hear a difficult truth, can give you the confidence and courage you need to succeed.

You are not at the mercy of your impulses. No matter how strong your desire is to get revenge on someone who hurt you, your resolve is stronger. No matter how hopeless it seems to try to resist a temptation that’s beaten you in the past, there is hope.

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  Are you weighed down by guilt and shame from a decision you regret?
• Are you feeling insecure about your place in the world?

Pour out your feelings to the Lord. Don’t try to carry your emotional and spiritual burdens yourself. Be encouraged in God’s Word and rest in His promises.

Oh, brethren, loved ones, brothers and sisters I want to encourage us this morning to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. Our times are in His hands and we are to trust the Lord come what may that all our bad situations will be taken care of in the Name of the Lord. I am encouraging us today not to give up  but to press on to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.