by Doris E. Howie
What is life, anyway? Is time spent battling fear, anxiety, and stress - or,
for that matter, frantic chasing after rainbows - really living? Are depression
and frustration really all your life holds for the future? If that is
the case, no wonder tomorrow looms like a black wall of destruction!
A few years ago, I shared your gloom. Even to get up in the morning was a
drag. Chores were onerous; rewards were few; surprises were always negative.
The bottom of the barrel would have been looking up from where I felt myself
to be. In fact, suicide was often on my mind. Life just didn t seem worth
living.
Now life holds more promises than I can grasp with both hands. Joy is my
daily companion - not happiness, particularly, but contentment and a peaceful
joy. Maybe serenity would be a better word for it - a knowledge that "in all
things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:29) and "will
meet all (my) needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 4:19).
Since I dedicated my life to Christ, things seem to have a way of working out
for me, sometimes in an almost uncanny manner. What I really need is there
when I give God first priority in my life.
Have you considered giving your life to Christ? It is the best way to live,
and it happens through a simple faith.
The first step is to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Then be truly
sorry for wasting your life in self-pity or self-pursuits. God will help you
change, to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, to eradicate envy,
anger and fear and replace them with love, joy and peace.
Read your Bible; you'll find it is filled with incredible promises that you
can draw on. It is also filled with helpful hints on attitude adjusting and
positive thinking. Do your best to follow the biblical guidelines each day,
praising God for everything you have right now.
Remember, God never changes. His promise is as valid today as it was thousands
of years ago, for His Word is the Law. Remember, too, that Jesus was sent to
show us how to "get a life". Your Bible gives eye-witness reports of what He
said and did. It also tells what happened to a group of ordinary people who
followed Him - and became incredible powerbrokers of the Holy Spirit.
Decide now to accept this life, to follow Jesus' example in whatever you do -
and you will know love, forgiveness, joy, contentment, abundant life now - and
eventually, eternal life.
Wouldn't YOU like to "get a life" today?
P.S. from Doris E. Howie:
I wrote the above article in 1993. Five years later, Christ is still Lord of my life; His peace is still my constant Companion; and
His promises have never once failed me when I have called upon His Name in faith and trust. I would like to share with you
my favourite (and daily) prayer - but please DON'T pray it unless you sincerely want it to be answered, because God will take
you at your word, just as you can take Him at His:
Lord, Work Thy perfect will in my life this day. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.
Be careful, because I'm here to tell you that that is one POWERFUL prayer! It changed my life, and it can change yours too -- guaranteed!
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