Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 3 (day six)
“Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations.”–v 13. Surprising commandment. Typical Paul. “Do not lose heart!” Literally it reads, “do not let the bad get inside you.” Paul claims that every believer has the responsibility to guard his heart from depression, discouragement, hopelessness or negativity. When it happens, if it happens, it is always because necessary precautions were untaken, necessary disciplines unapplied. Jesus said something similar. “Let not your heart be troubled.”–John 14:1. Don’t LET it happen! David learned the same truth. “He strengthened himself in the Lord.”–1 Samuel 30:6. Courage is a gift from God. It is also something we find for ourselves. Did he go pray? Sing hymns? The text is not clear. It is clear, however, that David knew that the management of his own heart and outlook was high priority. Difficulty is inevitable. Discouragement, however, is a choice. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”–Psalm 56:3.
