Thursday, May 15, 2025

           The Bible has many simple phrases and expressions that capture our attention.  One such phrase is found in 2 Corinthians 4:1. Paul wrote, “...we do not lose heart.”  The idea is to stay strong or remain strong in Christ.  We certainly live in a world and time where there are many reasons to be discouraged or to lose heart.  A few minutes catching up on the latest news could be a reason for discouragement or despair.  Sadly, our world is marked by war, injustice, pain, disease, division, anger and a host of other things.  These realities are not just occasional anomalies—they seem to be a permanent part of the fabric of our days and times.  Someone once said that sin is one of the empirically verifiable doctrines of the Christian faith.  We can see the results and residue of sin practically anywhere we look. There is a broken heart in almost every home.  And a broken home in almost every town.   And there is a world full of brokenness.    
            But we do not lose heart.  We know, and confidently so, that to be in Christ means we experience ultimate victory over the things that wear us down and war against us.  We know there is a new world and order coming in eternity when Christ makes right every wrong.  But even now, we can be at peace.  We find our peace in Christ and a commitment to live for Him.  We stay strong knowing that He has secured our victory over sin and the ways of the enemy.  We fix our eyes on Christ and recommit ourselves to live for Him and to walk in His steps of love, grace, justice and kindness.  Hebrews 12:2 says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now, He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
            We keep our eyes on Christ.  We remember that He is on the throne.  We place our faith unwaveringly in Him above all other things.  With His power and strength, we rise and live above the things that would cause us to lose heart.  There are some practical things we can do each day not to lose heart.  First, practice gratitude.  Look for reasons to be grateful.  Think of the blessings and gifts that have been entrusted to you.  Consider all the ways, spiritual and material, that God has enriched and blessed you.  Second, look for a way to serve.  Rather than lamenting all that is wrong or bad, look for ways to bring hope, life, change and goodness to people and places sorely hurting for such things.  Remember to live the words of Jesus who said that He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.  Third, take time to reflect on the promises of Scripture—especially the promises that speak of God’s faithfulness and strength.  Claim these promises for yourself.  Challenge the discouraging messages around you with the power and promises of Scripture.  God’s Word does not change and it does not fail.
            Indeed, we do not lose heart.  Because Christ lives in our hearts!  The enemy would like to persuade us otherwise.  Drown out the enemy’s lies with the truth of God’s Word and ways.  Live differently.  Or as Paul reminded us, we are to shine like stars in the universe.  The world may look like a terribly dark place at times.  But the light of Christ has come and the darkness cannot overcome it.  John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Remember this coming Sunday we will honor our high school and college graduates and celebrate our youth ministry.  We will also enjoy our communal lunch after worship so bring along a few dishes to share as we enjoy conversation, friendship and fellowship around the tables.  Have a great Thursday!