In our culture feeling discouraged can be a regular occurrence. We see every one’s glamorous life on social media.  Lifestyles full of fun, money, cars, friends, mansions and successes. The positive side in plain sight for all to see.

What is visible to us is what they want us to see. These pictures, stories and videos may not always be true.

Social media queens hawk their freebies, online courses, products and marketing advice to help others become as paid as them. Youtubers getting paid to be silly, not work and advertise products that most of us don’t need. Celebrities display their life, money and merchandise all the time – a perpetual performance.

Most of us buy what they sale. We may not pay physical money, but we purchase with some form of payment. We may give them our time, emotions, thoughts, plans, future success, close relationships, soul, spirit, YHWH’s (God’s name) plan and the list can go on.

Sometimes the purchases can be positive and help us to do what Abba purposed us to do for His kingdom. Other times the investment makes us numb, discouraged, jealous, unhappy and other toxic feelings.

I can be discouraged, too. I have various endeavors I want to accomplish, launch, plan and execute. It takes time and patience to attain these goals. Everyone on social media makes it look so easy! Success happens when I do it their way. They have the secret to get 10,000 followers, etc. Frustration starts to build.

I stop myself when I start to go down that path. I put down the phone and examine my feelings. Is that a little jealousy, envy, discouragement and/or fear I’m experiencing? These emotions aren’t honoring to YHWH – and even myself. I must not compare myself to others, especially those on social media whom I don’t know.

I remind myself about Abba’s love for me, His plans and His perfect timing. It’s not about having 15,000 followers, millions in the bank, an expensive foreign car, products that people want to buy – but don’t need. Those are all temporary tangible things that can be gone tomorrow, next month or in a few years. They may bring a form of happiness but it’s short lived.

It’s about doing that thing Abba placed in my heart to advance His kingdom here on earth. To help others experience His love, grace, mercy through His son Yahusha (Jesus). It’s doing things that are eternal - heart, soul, spirit, life.

Courage means to be brave enough to do what is right. The world needs more courageous people for Christ. I am one of them. It doesn’t mean I’m fearless. I don’t give into those fears. I trust, believe and obey Yahusha and the words He says.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the YHWH, because you know that your labor in YHWH is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthian 16:13-14 (NIV)

“Praise be to YHWH and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

 “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases YHWH, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)

Those are powerful scriptures to pray on, meditate, memorize and/or repeat when negative thoughts of discouragement creep into our minds.

I encourage you to keep doing those right things for YHWH. You won’t regret it. Because,

“The eyes of YHWH run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Abba sees you!

Thanks for reading. Is there a specific thing you need encouraged for? Let me know. I will pray for you! Share this with someone you know who needs encouraged.

Love ya,

Christina