“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines 
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23

“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.

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Friends have been writing to me with the same recurring theme:  “No sooner do I get hit with one demonic attack than another one follows close on its heels. I get knocked down, barely get up, and am knocked down again!”

Does this sound like you? Are you growing weary with the fight and ready to give up?

If so, then read on.

Jesus warned us that trouble would increase as His return approaches. You see, Satan knows he doesn’t have much time left to do his dirty work, so he has grown vicious with anger and has intensified his efforts to destroy Christ-Followers (Revelation 12: 17). He has also loosed full-blown deception on the world-at-large to keep people from knowing truth and coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. 

So, don’t be discouraged. And whatever you do, DON’T QUIT!

Listen to what our LORD Himself said: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33 NLT).

One reason you may be feeling discouraged is that you are relying on your own strength to get you through. This is a big mistake. Our strength will never get us through anything. It is only the strength of Christ in us that will get us through.

When we rely on Christ’s strength within us, we enter a state of rest. Rest is that place where we let go and let God.

So, whatever you are facing today, let Jesus handle it for you. Give it over to Him and trust that He will get you through. Determine to keep running your race and to finish strong.

Finally, don’t give up; look up! Our Lord is coming soon to deliver us from this cesspool of corruption called the world. So, rejoice! Our deliverance is near!  Oh, so very near!

My Prayer for You Today: Lord Jesus, I ask that You would encourage my brother and sister today with the encouragement that only You can give. Help them to focus on You and to rest in You. In Your precious Name I pray. So be it!

Now, it’s YOUR turn: How do you encourage yourself in the Lord? Please share your insights in the Comments box below. Thank you!

TWEETABLE:  “ARE YOU ON THE VERGE OF GIVING UP?” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio (CLICK TO TWEET).

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Check out my You-Tube series, YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!, based on my popular book by the same title.  

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