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Listen while you read: "Fairest Lord Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Many years ago, when I first started hearing audible voices, I was in touch with a dear friend from my teenage days. She gave me the following good, sound advice:
- This is hard advice to follow, but it helps me very much: Keep an attitude of thanksgiving and praise to God even at the worst of times. He has promised never to leave you or forsake you, and He is the best promise keeper there is! Keep your eyes on Him, and He will lift up your spirits and give you peace. That's the best situation for healing to take place. And that's what we're praying for.
Psalm 113:3 – From dawn until sunset the name of the Lord deserves to be praised. (CEV)
Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)
I know that this is sound advice, but often in the daily grind of being spiritually attacked, I must admit that I have not always followed this advice. Recently, I have been going through some files, and I came across this treasure from my friend. It so captivated me that I just have to share it. I am so thankful for the love and caring of this precious friend over many years. Let us always be open to the good advice of a loving friend.
This same friend has gone through many trials of her own and is still facing trials as she nears the end of her life here on earth in long-term residential care. Yet, I know that, even today, in spite of all adversity, she has that same attitude of thanksgiving and praise. She always has a smile on her face and a word of thanks for anyone who does anything for her.
If it is true that as we grow older, our negative character traits intensify and our good qualities get better, then while we are younger, we need to take the advice of my elderly friend and her mentor, the apostle Paul:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear Father, You have promised us that You will never leave us nor forsake us, and You are the best promise keeper there is. Thank You for the wisdom of our elderly friends and for Your never-ending love. We know that You will hold their hands and ours through the rest of our journeys. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Very well done, I needed that.
Thanks for the tender thoughts June.
June, thank you for these precious truths and your honesty!
Dear June,
I loved your devotional and the verses that you used — some of my favorites. Yes, He is the “greatest promise keeper.” Thanks for writing. May God bless you.
(California, USA)
Your friend gave you precious advice in bygone days but God’s truths are forever true. Next to our family our friends are can be a source of great encouragement and truth. On Friday last I went to the World Day of Prayer in a local United church. The women of the Bahamas prepared the program and I was thoroughly impressed and blessed. The special speaker and soloist was a lady who used to live in the Bahamas as a child of a Baptist minister. Part of the service was a foot washing ceremony.
Dear June,
Thank you for this encouraging devotional. I’ve just returned from church and found another email from a most precious relative. Your remark about being spiritually attacked resonated with me because of an email I found waiting for me. I am being spiritually attacked at my weakest point almost constantly lately by a relative. She criticizes me about every choice I make or plan I make. It breaks my heart and affects my health. These words by your Dear Friend remind me of what I have always known but haven’t always applied to my circumstances. Praise the Lord!
(B.C.)
Hello Ms. June,
I enjoyed your wonderful article “Thankful for good advice.” The story, however, taught me how to express gratitude and to count my blessings. It is better to lose count while naming our blessings than to lose our blessings while counting our troubles.
(Saudi Arabia)
Good advice indeed!
Good one June, and good to see you writing again.
God Bless and be with you always.
Dear June,
Thank you for passing on this advice from your friend. You have been blessed by such a friend.
This is hard advice to follow, but it helps me very much: Keep an attitude of thanksgiving and praise to God even at the worst of times. He has promised never to leave you or forsake you, and He is the best promise keeper there is! Keep your eyes on Him, and He will lift up your spirits and give you peace. That’s the best situation for healing to take place. And that’s what we’re praying for.
And Thanks for the Bible verses.
I pray that God will keep you grounded and assured in your Bible Reading day by day. I pray for the best for you.
Lots of wisdom in this devotional.
I know because I am one of the “older ones”.
Bless you.