"Destroyed Life"

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

Life doesn't always bring good things with it.  More often than not it brings the bad.  It brings sickness, disease, heartache, disappointment, trouble, problems, brokenness, death and tribulation.  We can't get away from bad things happening in our lives.  We can't have all "sunshine" and no "rain". But when life happens-- namely when it brings the bad and unwanted-- don't let life destroy you.

Often, we let life destroy us when it brings that which we don't want or when it brings the bad and the things we have already mentioned.  We let it destroy us by us giving into our emotions and feelings.  Our emotions will trigger wrong attitudes.  These attitudes will destroy us when we give into them.  These attitudes are bitterness, anger, resentment, depression, hate, unforgiveness, anxiety, fear, condemnation, shame, guilt, a hard heart, etc. 

The attitude Jesus told us to have was one of "good cheer".  The word cheer means:  comfort, cheer, courage, bold.  In those times- when bad comes our way- we need to take courage and not give up and lose heart.  We need to stand boldly against the temptation to yield to our emotions.  We need to receive the comfort that the Lord has for us.  When we do, the circumstances may not change, things may remain bad, it may not get better, but in the midst of it you won't be destroyed.  You will have the peace of God that passes understanding that Jesus spoke of and promised to give us. 

You can't always choose what happens in life, but you can choose whether or not you will let it destroy you.  So which will you choose? 

Have a great day.  Don't let life destroy you.