Listen to this devotion
Do Not Lose Heart
In the Word
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Of the Word
It is easy to get discouraged when we hurt. Simply having someone tell us to “hang in there” or “keep a stiff upper lip” is not enough. We may want to be strong, but when the pain comes it can overwhelm us.
How can we not lose heart when we feel like we are wasting away? Paul advised the Corinthian believers to be renewed daily. We, too, can take advantage of the ways in which God makes His grace available.
Remember Baptism. God is at work claiming us as His dearly loved children, putting His name on us, and washing away our sins.
Spend time in His Word. Reflect on the promise and the message of forgiveness, life, and salvation that Jesus accomplished for everyone.
Receive His love and mercy in the Lord’s Supper. In this meal Jesus gives us His body and blood that were offered on the cross, assuring us of the forgiveness and acceptance He earned for us.
God’s strength is available to us, and His desire is for us to be renewed in it.
Walking with my Lord
Renew me, O eternal Light, and let my heart and soul be bright. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 2/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“Renew Me, O Eternal Light” by Johann Fredrick Ruopp. Public domain.
