Pastor Keith's Blog - guest blogger

Publish Date: February 8, 2009 :: Author: Keith Jones

Today, I'm featuring my husband's entry on his recent blog. It encouraged me and I pray it will do the same for you.

Yes! The last year has been tough!

Alright. Last year was a tough one. We all know that. We endured a divisive presidential campaign, a mortgage crisis, rising gas prices, renewed tensions with Russia, bank failures, rising unemployment, sell offs, buy outs, meltdowns, bail outs. Not to mention a storm that literally wiped Galveston, Texas off the map.

It was a tough year spiritually as well. Moral failures and divorces among christian leaders. The trials can tend to drag us down, but trials can be a blessing when we respond biblically. There are a few things every christian should do.

PRAISE GOD. In hard times David always ran to his secret place. Through out his life, praise was always at the forefront. When difficulties closed in on David, he shut himself away and prayed, sang, shouted and danced. When you have been overwhelmed by trials, you must counteract it by declaring your faith out loud.

STAY IN THE WORD. Find your encouragement in the Word, not the daily news. Many Christians think bible study is optional. Yet when adversity comes they experience crisis because they don't have a solid foundation. The Word of God must be our foundation.

BE AN ENCOURAGER. You could be sitting next to someone in church who has abandoned all hope. One word of encouragement from you could lift them out of the pit of depression.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT WITH GOD'S PROMISES. The apostle Paul told Timothy to "fight the good fight" by using the word that had been spoken over him (1 Tim. 1: 18). When God gives us promises, we should use them as weapons.

Now is not the time to give up. Don't let the meltdowns discourage you. Praise God and keep believing. You are going to make it. Your best days are ahead.