Discouragement

Brain Injuries: Put on a Happy Face and hopefully no one sees what it looks like inside your head.

December 1

At the recommendation of one of my physicians, I went to see a local neurologist.  Having had the stroke in Nashville and adoring those docs and never hoping to have a stroke again, I've put off seeing a neurologist here.  It was a discouraging appointment.  Not up for sharing details here, but I want to address how we handle discouragement. Sitting alone in a dark room like I did that first night probably wasn't the best way to proceed, but sometimes we have to get alone and process!

The following morning getting into Bible study was a healthy choice.  Accidentally, okay providentially, I ended up in Colossians 3:12-17 and I found great healing there.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." 

First of all, who can be downtrodden when you recognize you have been chosen by God and are beloved by Him.

Second, there is great peace, which comes from being part of the love of the body of Christ.

Third, the reminder to be thankful in all things is a very healthy perspective.

Finally, whatever you do, whatever shape you are in to do it, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus for He has done so much for you!