A Word of Encouragment

I'd like to give a word of encouragement today, as I know that people are struggling (just like I do) and going through trials.
 It is too easy to get caught up in your problems, in your sorrows, depression and crumbling life that is such a weight on your shoulders because its so comfortable, immediate, and natural. It has you living like the magnitude of God, the blessings He pours out on His children, His grace that is saving, His precious blood that was, is, and will always be sufficient, His perfect plan that He ALWAYS has, His promises He makes...(shall I go on?)....are applicable to every other Believer but you.  

Please don't give in to the lies. 

Please know the truth. 

Don't give up, even if you are weary.

Don't give up, especially if you are exhausted and all you can do to motivate yourself is saying, "One more day. Just get through one more day."

Don't give up, even if the idea sounds so relieving and enticing.

I don't just write this to preach to everyone else, I do it to encourage US, as you and I fight the good fight, and run the race though we are under the impression our legs are about to give way any second, and our lungs are on fire.    

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
~James 1:2-4

Just don't give up.

Taste and See

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" 
~Psalm 34:8

While fixing my breakfast this morning, this verse came to mind~mostly because I have been sick for almost a week, and haven't been able to taste anything for days (really, you don't realize how much you appreciate it until it's gone!). It gave me a fresh perspective on my relationship with Christ, and how it can sometimes go. Can I be spiritually 'sick', and lose my sense of 'taste' and wonder of God? I am constantly being exposed to the world, and can get so wrapped up in the things of it that I become numb to how good my God is to me. And He is so utterly good to me ALL the time-whether I am acknowledging it or not. 
So while I am in a time of rest and healing (physically and spiritually), I am dwelling on the fact that God is good, that there is evidence of His goodness in my life all around me-I just have to look for it. 

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them"
The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad."
~Psalm 126:2-3