Encouragement Amidst Troubled Times

Encouragement amidst troubled times

I have been receiving a lot of comments lately from Daily Jot readers. Many have been very encouraging. Others are appalled at the state of affairs in our nation and around the world. Still some are angry and do not want to admit the obvious that is before them. Sometimes it is a good idea to take a step back, take a deep breath, and look at the world from a different angle. In starting the Daily Jot back in January of 2002, I sensed the Lord wanted a brief testimony of daily events that could equip and encourage people to share the Good News. Most of the Daily Jot readers, especially those who have been reading a while, “get it.” But I want to encourage all readers to keep things in perspective.

The Bible is about Jesus Christ and what he did to bring salvation to a fallen world. There are many examples of how we are to live our lives and how we are to treat others. A good friend of mine says “You reap what you sow, more than what you sow, later than you sow.” He’s got a great point. It really is a law of God. So if you read the Jot and use it to share a Biblical perspective by discussing a current event, then you have planted a seed. Unlike seeds that you plant in a garden, you may never see the growth of that seed, but God’s word does not return void. Be ecouraged to share what is in the Daily Jot with others–either verbally, or via email, or any other way that you see fit.

The Daily Jot is NOT intended to bring you distress or sorrow or fear. As Christians, we are often mocked for saying that we are living in the end times. They say that every generation thinks that. But the fact of the matter is that every day brings us closer to the Biblical end times. Certainly, there are many prophetic indicators that tell us we are getting closer and closer to the return of Christ the Messiah. How wonderful is that? We know from scripture that things are going to get worse the closer we get. But we are encouraged in Ephesians 6:13, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The Daily Jot also is intended to rally folks to do the right thing. Romans 12:21 says “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Our country long has been a beacon of Christian hope to the rest of the world. I know. I have traveled quite a bit and hear what people say. We have a legal say in how things are done in our country. But because we have diverted our attention away from God and from His precepts of good citizenship, our beacon is dimming. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3 that he has seen travail of the labors of men. “I know there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice and to do good in his life.  And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.” Don’t let these troubled times get you down. Find joy in Christ’s labors.