We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Evil works where discouragement lodges

This past Sunday, I was just not up to braving the icy conditions and cold weather, so I watched the Grove Avenue Baptist Church broadcast. I have come to really like Mark Becton, the pastor. I was struck by one comment he made and it has stayed with me. He said, "Evil works where discouragement lodges."

I know this statement impacted me so much because it applies to me and my life! How about you? Are you discouraged?

I am prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder and it has been a long and cold winter here in Virginia. The snow is beautiful and I have savored the sunrises particularly in the past two weeks. I assume there is some meteorological reason for the especially stunning dawn sky recently. I love sitting in my living room watching the morning sky change and brighten through the glass doors to the deck.

In my writing nook hangs the calendar my son gave me for Christmas. Each month displays an absolutely gorgeous nature scene and offers a verse of scripture. The photo for February is a close up of a cherry blossom branch with a white dove, either landing or preparing to take off. The background is nothing but the blue sky.

We have been to Washington DC for many a Cherry Blossom festival and it's difficult to imagine balmy breezes and the almost overpowering scent of cherry blossom trees blooming when the thermometer reads 12 degrees and the landscape resembles a frozen tundra!

My discouragement whispers to me that winter will never end and I will experience this near claustrophobia until I die! Discouragement revisits the nibbling thought that the cherry blossoms will never bloom when I'm tired. I can deal with the 'regular' discouragements of life on a "good day." In the depths of winter, smothered by cold and draped in snow, I can all too readily invite discouragement in to where I lodge.

I rejoice that I know Jesus, the defeater of discouragement! With Him I have the energy and the strength to kick discouragement out, clean out the guest room where he comes to visit and send him packing on a one-way trip back to where he came from!

Spring is just around the corner!


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

7 comments:

Andrea said...

Peace be with you as spring burst forth first in the heart and then in the land!
Love and hugs, andrea

RCUBEs said...

Winter time is the best time to ponder...to be pruned...so that we can bloom in His perfect time and season! Amen to the verse you shared! God bless and have a great day sister Mary!

Nana Jul said...

Mary,

To me, you are the cherry blossom, the sweet aroma! 2 Cor. 2:14-15
But Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing!
Thank you again for Marks prayer button through Edie!
Love,
Julie

Nikki (Sarah) said...

spring is just around the corner...spring is just around the corenr...yeahhhh. Have a safe and wonderful day Mary.

Unknown said...

Beautiful post, Mary!

You have an award to claim on my blog: http://glasshouseministries.blogspot.com/2010/02/prolific-blogger-award.html

Stay encouraged!
Cheri

Barbara said...

Beautiful post...I can hardly wait for spring myself...even though it is much warmer here than where you are. We all have seasons, both emotionally and weather wise that we go thru....and spring is coming!

Rebecca said...

Several years ago, I "claimed" that diagnosis - S.A.D. It's interesting that I haven't given it a thought this year. Our winter has not been so very sunny, but I don't seem to notice the same sadness and discouragement I have felt many other years.

I'm wondering why the cloud has lifted in this particular season of my life????

Having said that, I think our little congregation (my husband is pastor) has a corporate case of S.A.D. The quote is a powerful motivation for me to be an encourager and point our people (one by one as they cross my path) to the Great Encourager - the Lover of our Souls.

By the way, I AM looking forward to spring. Winter is NOT my favorite season, but it certainly builds my appreciation for what comes next!