The Truth of the Matter

   It's funny, the month that I chose for the topic of discouragement, is the month I find the most to discourage me spiritually. Or, maybe it's not so funny, and more a reminder that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood".

   I had so much planned to write to you all on this topic; so many pretty phrases and concise thoughts, that I cannot remember any longer. I meant to encourage you with truth, and exhort you, from farther along in my walk. I still plan to do the truth part, but I no longer have any delusions about having it all figured out.

   Because the truth... well, the truth is that living for Christ is hard! He makes that very plain when He tells us to bear our cross and follow Him. But He also says that He will never leave us or forsake us. One of my favorites verses begins with:

                                           See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;
                                                                             - Isaiah 49:16a

   He will never, ever forget us, and leave us to toil onward by ourselves. In fact, He says:


                                            For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.
                                                                             - Isaiah 49:23b
 

   We can place absolute faith and trust in our Savior, to strengthen, forgive, and renew us, as we wait on Him.

    Please, dear sisters, don't ever forget this promise!

   If I had to name one trap that I fall into more than any other in my spiritual life. One lie that I believe above all the rest, it would be that I believe that I can do it all in my own strength.

   Too often I muster up my will-power, and subsist on that alone for a week or so of daily quiet times, instead on relying on, and resting in, the strength that God so freely offers me. I lose sight of my goal- to know Christ more- and settle for what I can immediately see- the means to the end. And this is when discouragement settles in, thick and oppressive.

   I want to leave you with a quote that has brings me fresh, and proper perspective, each time I read it. God has used it in my life to point out pride, and faith in my flesh, and I pray that He may use it to convict your heart as well.

                                           "Discouragement with self is just an indication 
                                           that we think we can get something good out of 
                                           ourselves; we cannot. Our goodness is wrapped 
                                           up in the person of the Lord Jesus."
                                                                                - Sarah L. Bryant

January's Topic ~ Discouragement

   Hello girls! This month on Under the Apple Tree, I would love for us to discuss discouragement.

    Discouragement, has been a very real and constant struggle in my life, for many years now. I strive and struggle to make it to a certain level of goodness, only to discover that I am still very flawed. This sends me into a type of despair, because I have the mindset that I should be able to do this, and if I can't then what is the point of trying?

   Can you relate?

   But as I have cried out to God, and sought the counsel of those older and wiser, my Savior has been ever faithful to reveal to me the root problem of this sin- yes, it's a sin- and what lies have been taking me captive in this way.

   As we talk about study and discuss this topic, I will be sharing Truth's from scripture about what causes discouragement, promises that we can claim when discouragement tries to creep in, and quotes from much wiser people than myself. I would also love to hear from you, dear sisters! What questions or struggles do you have with discouragement? This blog is, after all, for your encouragement, so I would love to be able to speak directly to your hearts! You can leave a comment with your questions, or if you feel shy about making it so public, you can email me from the Contact tab.

   I pray that God blesses each of you in this new year, as you continue to seek Him!