Discouragement bombards us from every direction—from disheartening newscasts to difficult neighbors, from incompetent coworkers to family frustrations.
Secular sources offer strategies like these to combat despair:
- Let go of anger and accept people as they are. (Easier said than done!)
- Stand up straight—good posture helps. (Help, perhaps. Absolute remedy? Seems doubtful.)
- Learn something new; do something fun! (And when the distraction is over, what then?)
An anonymous psalmist offers us this God-inspired example instead:
Can you affirm that our sovereign God is a mighty, majestic, and miracle-working God?
If so, you’ll agree with this assertion:
“As long as our eyes are on God’s majesty
there is a bounce in our step!”
–Max Lucado [1]
Look up majesty in a thesaurus and you’ll find such awe-inspiring synonyms as magnificence, glory, awesomeness, and superbness.
But how can we keep our eyes on the majesty of a God who’s invisible?
We can see its manifestations–they’re all around us.
For example:
We See God’s Majesty in Creation
While reading on the deck one afternoon, a house wren landed at one end of the rail, then dashed across its length before pausing and flying away. Never would I have expected such a small bird to run so fast. You’d think she had wheels, not legs!
And I marveled at this work of God: a small, nondescript bird with the extraordinary gift of great speed.
We See God’s Majesty in Circumstances
H. asked if I’d like to join her for a church-sponsored concert that she knew we’d both enjoy. I purchased my ticket online, only to learn later the transaction hadn’t completed, even though the last page on the website announced a successful purchase. The ticket was never emailed.
Kicking myself for not taking a screen shot, I contacted the credit card company, but there was no record of the payment yet. My husband urged me to attend the concert anyway. Upon arrival we learned there’d been a problem with the website. They graciously invited those of us without tickets to attend free of charge!
We See God’s Majesty in Scripture
Not long ago I let myself slip into a cesspool of self-pity while cleaning the house—a task I deplore. Suddenly God broke through my negativity and redirected my thoughts with this gem of advice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
He reminded me why I was cleaning. I could rejoice that our younger son and daughter-in-love were coming to visit. And I prayed, “Help me practice gratitude, Father, and enjoy your company—even as I clean.”
(Please revive my attitudes also, Lord!)
We See God’s Majesty in Jesus
No one is as glorious and majestic as our righteous King! And yet he concerns himself with us.
He is:
Our Priest to atone
Our fountain to cleanse
Our Intercessor to plead
Our Foundation to support
Our Counselor to advise
Our Prophet to teach
Our Sun to enlighten
Our Bread to nourish
Our Father to provide
Our Shepherd to protect
Our Emmanuel to attend
Our Peace to comfort
Our Lord of glory to reign![2]
May such truths as these help to dispel discouragement and put a bounce in our step–today and always!
What truths would you add to this starter-list? Please share in the comments!
[1] Grace for the Moment, 289.
[2] V. 1: Hebrews 2:17; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 3:11. V. 2: Isaiah 9:6; Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:2; John 6:35. V. 3: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:11; Matthew 1:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:8.
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From the Inside Out 