That's good stuff.

Brad

At 10:17 AM 7/30/2007, you wrote:
>Dealing With Discouragement
>
>
>Nehemiah 1:1-11
>
>
>Discouragement can feel like a big weight on our shoulders. It slows us 
>down and makes work more difficult. It can diminish our  enjoyment of life.
>
>People drag us down when they regard our best efforts as unsatisfactory. A 
>steady stream of criticism from a family member,  neighbor, or co-worker 
>can affect how we feel about ourselves.
>
>Dissatisfaction with our actions can also prove discouraging. Maybe it 
>relates to a personal weakness we can't overcome or a high  personal 
>expectation we've failed to meet. Either reason can cause discouragement.
>
>Past disappointments cause some of us to have little hope for the future. 
>Financial pressures, declining health, and painful  relationships take a 
>toll on our emotions.
>
>The life of Nehemiah teaches an important lesson about handling 
>discouragement. He was a Hebrew living in Persia and serving as cup-bearer 
>for the king. Nehemiah heard a report about the poor condition of 
>Jerusalem and the plight of the Jews. He was deeply affected. In his 
>disappointment over their situation, Nehemiah turned to the Lord in 
>prayer. He knew only His great God could change the situation. In the same 
>way, our discouragement should drive us to cry out to the Lord.
>
>Nehemiah praised God's awesome character, confessed his sins and the sins 
>of others, recalled divine promises, and presented his  request. Let's 
>follow Nehemiah's example and take our disappointments to the Lord in prayer.