Tuesday, May 27, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

Take Heart

Psalms 34:2    I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless TAKE HEART.

Have you ever wondered why some individuals view their circumstances as being half full while others in the same situation perceive their situations to be half empty? The difference between these individuals is their interpretation of reality ... their point of view.

Interestingly, as Dr. Martin Seligman was conducting a study to determine the major reasons for depression, he discovered that no matter the odds some people resisted feelings of hopelessness. Based on his research findings, Dr. Seligman switched the focus of his study to determine what kept these individuals from becoming helpless concluding that "if we can be helpless, we can learn to be optimistic."

In life, we all have choices to make ... we all face seemingly helpless situations. As Dr. Seligman's research findings revealed, we do have a choice as to what we do with the helplessness that threatens to consume us when we find ourselves facing overwhelming circumstances. We can CHOOSE to be optimistic.

In today's scripture, Apostle Paul encourages us to TAKE HEART ... when faced with gigantic obstacles. My challenge to you today is to TAKE HEART - to HAVE HOPE - and to TRULY BELIEVE that our loving Father will see you through your dire situations.  Allow the words of Dr. Charles Stanley to sustain you in these times: "When the outlook looks grim, Christ is our strength. When the circumstances seem volatile, Christ is our stability. When the future appears foreboding, Christ remains our hope."

Dear Lord, Help me to always keep my eyes on You in my times of difficulties. Fill me with Your peace ... peace that surpasses all understanding.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection:  Are you viewing your circumstances with hopefulness or helplessness?