OCTOBER 18, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

OCTOBER 18 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

We have all lived long enough to know that life is filled with both good and bad. Certainly, the Bible does not try to display that if we would just trust in the Lord all of life would be good and that the bad would somehow disappear. There are those who would say, "just think positively,” telling people that their words create their situation...think good, you will have good...think bad and you bring bad on yourself. This is metaphysical nonsense. We do not have the power to create out of our thoughts and surely life has taught us by now that even the most positive, godly people have bad things happen to them. The Scripture says it, "rains on the just and the unjust"...both good and bad things happen to both good and bad people.

So how are we as the children of God to deal with life when it is either good or bad? Hebrews 12:2 tells us to always be, "looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." When bad things happen our hope is found in Jesus. A positive Christian attitude is defined as one that keeps their eyes fixed on Jesus in every situation and circumstance. Be very careful about telling people if they only had enough faith or if they would have a positive attitude, they would not have to go through difficult times. Jesus told His Disciples the exact opposite. He said, "In this world you WILL have trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." Did He say be of good cheer and their positive attitude would change their bad into good? No! He said, "be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." Once again, Jesus is the answer for troubled times. He is the light that pushes away the darkness. He is the hope in hopeless situations. He is our strength when we are powerless and weak. Life happens, both good and bad, only Jesus gives victory...only Jesus can overcome!

Please share your thoughts.