Proverbs for Living - 12

Proverbs 12: 24-25 (CSV) - "The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor. Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up."

Again, chapter 12 deals with many areas. Today, let us consider these two verses.

God blesses diligence. The greatest cure for discouragement and depression is productivity. Do something worthwhile. Help Somebody. Build something. Go out and find your place of ministry.

The New Testament deals with depression. Consider the words of Paul in 2 Cor. 1:34, and the words of our Lord in John 16:33 (CSV) - "You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Most of us have the wrong view of trouble. Trouble is a basic need for our spiritual growth. God does not give us overcoming life - He gives us life as we overcome.

So, ponder these principles on troubles in our lives:

1. We will never completely get out of trouble. Churchill is quoted as saying - "Success in life is often nothing more than going from one failure to the next with undiminished enthusiasm.
2. We are not the only one to suffer. 2 Cor. 10:13.
3. Trouble is not always judgment from God. Heb. 12:6.
4. Trouble does come from God - either directly or indirectly. Spurgeon reminds us that God is too good to be unkind, too wise to be mistaken, and when we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart.
5. Wishful thinking and false optimism are detrimental. 
6. Bottom line - don't quit.

Most people don't work themselves to death - they worry themselves to death. So, today, learn to meet these trouble head-on. You can be victorious by having a powerful prayer life. Develop a life-long vision for what God can do with you. Discipline your life to walk in wisdom. Continually learn. Seek to revive your spirit each and every day.

Prayer: God of All Comfort, take my life and train me to walk in the midst of my troubles. Help me to see Your heart in all that I face each day. Fill me with Your Vision and Plan for my life, and let me grasp it and run with it. May I seek You in Your fullness today.