Pastor Thoughts - September 2021

September 2021 Pastor’s Thought

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

My soul is weary of my life. (Job 10:1)

A Category 4 hurricane recently left in its wake devastating damages across several states, several people died as a result. Before that, historic flooding occurred in several communities in West Tennessee, resulting in catastrophic loss and death. Prior to that, several wildfires remain unchecked in the western part of our country, more devastation. After 20 years, thousands of deaths, and trillions of dollars spent, our country ended a war in Afghanistan, unfortunately, not everyone was evacuated that wished to be. Talks are to be ongoing about how to get them out. Then, we are still dealing with Covid 19 and mutant viruses. Life is challenging.

Henry Ludlow in his devotional book, Give Us This Day, developed some guidelines from the 23rd Psalm to help us cope with problems. I share them with you now in the hope that although life is full of challenges, we need not give in to despair.

· Approach your problems with a positive attitude that you, with the help of the Good Shepherd, have the power and efficiency to handle it. Never underrate yourself. Never give way to defeating negatives of “I can’t.” Rather, learn to say, “I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1).

· Believe your waning strength can be restored. Everyone gets tired and weary; and in this state it is easy to feel that you are no match for the problem. But take courage – your vigor can be restored; give yourself a little time and your force can build up again. “He restoreth my soul” (Psalm 23:3).

· Be fearless in facing your difficulty. “Cowards die many times before their death.” Really, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. Jesus said to the disciples, “Arise, and be not afraid.” Times and circumstances have changed, but He has not. “I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4).

· Find fortitude in that you do not have to walk alone. There are friends, members of the family and even the Lord to walk with you. “Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).

· Affirm that your enemies, oppositions – things or people – cannot keep you from prospering. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (Psalm 23:5).

· Believe that goodness shall accompany you. There is much more goodness than badness for you; moreover, benefits can evolve from what you think at the time is dreadful. Rely on this assurance, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).

If those guidelines prove insufficient, add more of God’s word to your daily spiritual nurture. Psalm 46:1. There is also an old song of the church that says, Be not dismayed, what-ere betide, God will take care of you…