Encouragement

Continually Surrounded

“The LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD
and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:10,11

God controls and allows
every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.

Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can
choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly
ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example,
we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere
on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting
in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice.

May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s
unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.

Press On!

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Of all the Israelites, perhaps no one strove harder to please God than Saul of Tarsus.
Every area of his life conformed strictly to the Law. No one could accuse this respected
Pharisee of lacking zeal. He was a man with a mission-a mission to please and serve
God.

But on the road to Damascus, Saul’s life changed entirely. From now on, he would no longer try to please God himself. Instead, he would press on with the goal of knowing Christ. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8 (NIV emphasis added). Saul (now called Paul) had a new mission-a mission that remained constant amid ever-changing circumstances.
It didn’t matter whether he was preaching to a crowd or sitting in a damp prison. Paul now had one goal before which everything in his life bowed. Paul wanted to know his Lord.

How about you? Is knowing Christ–fellowshipping, trusting, and depending on Him-the goal toward which you’re striving? Ask God to help you press on to know Him today.