Let the Bible Be Your Mood Elevator

Let the Bible Be Your Mood Elevator

BY RICK WARREN — SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

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“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NIV)

Are you down in the dumps? Do you need a mood elevator?

Put down the piece of chocolate cake. Don’t have a pity party. Pick up your Bible instead.

You need a Word break!

God gave us the Bible to encourage us. One way you can think of the Bible is as a mood elevator.

The Bible says in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (NIV).

Everything in Scripture is written for our encouragement. That’s a big statement — but it’s true! Even the tough parts of God’s Word are there to ultimately encourage our lives in the right direction.

That’s why we need to spend time alone with God every single day. Whether it’s your daily devotional, your quiet time, or your personal inspiration time, you need to be getting alone with God, reading his Word, and talking to him.

The Bible says in Psalm 119:114: “You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me” (MSG).

If you’re discouraged and have lost hope, I can tell you one thing about your life without ever meeting you: You’re not spending time in God’s Word. If you were, you wouldn’t be discouraged. The more you read God’s Word when you’re down, the more he lifts you up. 

So the next time you feel discouraged, don’t come home and turn on the television. Instead, open up your Bible and read it. Listen to Dr. Luke instead of Dr. Phil.

God’s Word has the power to change your life. It has God’s power in it; nothing else does. The Bible will give you true encouragement.

Talk It Over

• What are some of the things that you turn to when you feel discouraged? Do those things really offer you encouragement or give you hope?

• We can fit anything into our schedules if it’s really important to us. Have you carved out a time in your day for “quiet retreat” so that God can renew you?

• What are some Bible verses that encourage you when you’re discouraged or down? Have you memorized them?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWyufa8KTQs

Faith of a Child

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:3, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD:

Think about the faith of a child. They believe whatever they are told. They have a constant expectancy in their hearts. They keep on asking for what they desire and believe they will receive it! 

Scripture says that we must become like little children in our faith. What does that mean? That means we need to have complete reliance on God. We need to trust what He says. We should wake up every day with expectancy in our hearts thinking, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do today…Today, I could get a good break…Today, I could be a blessing to someone in need.” 

When you go out with the faith of a child, you stay determined no matter what happens. No matter what things look like, you know that God will be faithful to His Word. You keep asking until you get an answer, and you are filled with joy until you see it come to pass!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father, I come to You with the faith of a child asking in faith because You are faithful. I believe and receive every good and perfect gift which comes from You in Jesus’ name. Amen.