A Word of Encouragement

Every once in a while, I have "one of those days." You know, one of those ho-hum, difficult to stay focused, "I don't have any energy," and I don't really care days. Sometimes it's due to the weather, or perhaps a lack of sleep, or maybe it's purely idiopathic, but nevertheless a hindrance to productivity. In my case, today's apathy is related to a string of migraines this past week that have sapped my body of all energy and left me sitting at my desk reading Old's Maternal-Newborn Nursing and Women's Health with semi-glazed eyes and a lack of motivation to study for Monday's exam (covering 500+ Powerpoint slides, mind you).

So to everyone, myself included, who is having "one of those days," take cheer, for there is hope!

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, 

but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, 

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

We, sinful man, if we have been redeemed from our sins and call Jesus our Lord, have a strong and perfect plea before God's throne. We are covered by the blood of the Lamb and can come before the very throne of the God of all and cry out for mercy and grace.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Isaiah 43:1-3

Israel’s Only Savior

1 But now, this is what the LORD says— 

he who created you, Jacob, 

he who formed you, Israel: 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze. 

3 For I am the LORD your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

I feel so inspired by these verses, and yet so humbled at the same time. Can this be true? I have no cause for fear? Flames cannot burn me and I cannot be drowned by the waves crashing over my head? And the God who has saved me, and continues to pluck me from the dangers that befall me, KNOWS MY NAME.

And finally, we don't have to walk through this life alone. In addition to the very real relationship we have with Christ, we also have brothers and sisters in the Lord who are walking on this journey as well. I received an email from a dear friend today that was so encouraging, and I was reminded of what a special bond we share with each other in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one, 

because they have a good return for their labor: 

10 If either of them falls down, 

one can help the other up. 

But pity anyone who falls 

and has no one to help them up. 

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 

But how can one keep warm alone? 

12 Though one may be overpowered, 

two can defend themselves. 

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

So be encouraged in the Word, and let your inspiration come from the knowledge that you are a child of God! And also know that it's okay to have bad days, to make mistakes, and mess up. We are human. It's when our sin ceases to prick our conscience and we neglect to seek repentance that it becomes a problem.