The past few days I have recognized how easy it is to let discouragement overtake us. I am amazed that a whisper of discouragement can overcome peace. It happens so quickly, and takes a huge amount of time and effort to dispel. Not only does discouragement cause us to doubt ourselves and the Lord, it births fear in our hearts and minds. Fear drives out our trust in what God has told us, and makes us question what He has given us. Sigh.
I have come to realize that having faith in my ability to hear the Lord, and to distinguish His voice from foreign ones gives me the power to combat discouragement when it first arises. I have to believe that God has good intentions for me, and that He cares about my heart and my emotions. He created them, and He lives within them. He is a good God. He blesses us and wants to fulfill the desires of our hearts. This is all easy to say, but difficult to believe when discouragement sucks the life out of us.
Life is a roller coaster. If we knew ahead of time all the ups and downs, there would no need for us to trust in or fear the Lord. So, I am taking this opportunity to trust in Him, even when I don’t know the outcome. I am trusting that my heart is safe where it has landed, and held with care and compassion.
This song has been in my head all day. It reminds me that God is faithful, and that He helps me, even in my unbelief.
I Have to Believe – Rita Springer
I have to believe
That He sees my darkness
I have to believe
He knows my pain
I have to lift up
My hands to worship
Worship His name
I have to declare
That He is my refuge
I have to deny
That I am alone
I have to lift up
My eyes to the mountain
It’s where my help comes from
Oh yeah, He said that He’s forever faithful
He said that He’s forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too
Oh, I have to stand tall
When the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong
When I’m weak and afraid
I have to grab hold
A hold of the garment
The garments of praise
I know, I know, I know
Cause He said that He’s forever faithful
He said that He’s forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too
I have to sing praise
When the hour is midnight
He unlocks these chains
That bind up my soul
My sin and my shame
He has forgiven and made me whole
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Cause He said that He’s forever faithful
He said that He’s forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too
I have to believe
I have to believe
He’s got everything under control
I have to believe
Lord, I believe
Help my unbelief
I have to believe in You
I have to believe
“You, LORD, are good to all, and Your tender mercies are all over Your works.” -Psalm 145:9
