Proverbs 18:14-15, “The
spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can
bear? The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the
wise seeketh knowledge.”
Many people in this world are ineffective because they have a bitter heart or a discouraged heart. Dealing with people day after day can cause us to become bitter and discouraged. God gives us six keys in this passage to overcome that bitterness.
1. Guard your spirit.
Walk with your God. Make sure that you spend time on a daily basis with God.
2. Confess your sin.
Sin will hurt your spirit. Sin in your life will separate you from God. Sin in the life of those you admire will hurt your spirit. I cannot tell you how many times in our ministry, I have watched people stop serving God because someone they admired did something wrong. Sin in the life of your friends will wound your spirit. Therefore, be careful who you fellowship with.
3. Busyness and a lack of attention to spiritual matters will wound your spirit.
Don’t be too busy for God. Oftentimes people are promoted by God because of the time they spend with Him. Yet, when they get a position of prominence, they ignore the God that promoted them and wind up failing in their pursuits.
4. When your spirit is wounded, there is nothing to sustain you in time of trouble.
Therefore, if you have a wounded spirit, confess it to God. Ask Him to show you where your spirit is wounded so that you can get back on the right path.
5. Seek God in His Word and your spirit will be strong according to verse 15.
6. Listen to the instruction of wise God-fearing men and you will strengthen your spirit.
God established the local church as a place where we can get together to encourage one another to love and good works. Don’t forsake the assembling of yourself together with men and women who love the Word of God.
Many people in this world are ineffective because they have a bitter heart or a discouraged heart. Dealing with people day after day can cause us to become bitter and discouraged. God gives us six keys in this passage to overcome that bitterness.
1. Guard your spirit.
Walk with your God. Make sure that you spend time on a daily basis with God.
2. Confess your sin.
Sin will hurt your spirit. Sin in your life will separate you from God. Sin in the life of those you admire will hurt your spirit. I cannot tell you how many times in our ministry, I have watched people stop serving God because someone they admired did something wrong. Sin in the life of your friends will wound your spirit. Therefore, be careful who you fellowship with.
3. Busyness and a lack of attention to spiritual matters will wound your spirit.
Don’t be too busy for God. Oftentimes people are promoted by God because of the time they spend with Him. Yet, when they get a position of prominence, they ignore the God that promoted them and wind up failing in their pursuits.
4. When your spirit is wounded, there is nothing to sustain you in time of trouble.
Therefore, if you have a wounded spirit, confess it to God. Ask Him to show you where your spirit is wounded so that you can get back on the right path.
5. Seek God in His Word and your spirit will be strong according to verse 15.
6. Listen to the instruction of wise God-fearing men and you will strengthen your spirit.
God established the local church as a place where we can get together to encourage one another to love and good works. Don’t forsake the assembling of yourself together with men and women who love the Word of God.
Your friend,
David Teis
David Teis
Today's Bible Verse...
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been
sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to
destroy the devil's work. —1 John 3:8
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Two simple truths: 1) The person who continues to live a life caught up in sin is of the devil. 2) The Son of God came to destroy all that the devil stands for. So, I guess the issue isn't as complex as we sometimes make it, which leads me to a final thought: Who are we going to side with in this heavenly war?
My Prayer...
Almighty and victorious King of the Ages, you are the only rightful ruler of my heart. I pledge my allegiance to you. Please help me as I seek to lay aside my struggles with sin and empower me to live for you in unwavering loyalty. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Two simple truths: 1) The person who continues to live a life caught up in sin is of the devil. 2) The Son of God came to destroy all that the devil stands for. So, I guess the issue isn't as complex as we sometimes make it, which leads me to a final thought: Who are we going to side with in this heavenly war?
My Prayer...
Almighty and victorious King of the Ages, you are the only rightful ruler of my heart. I pledge my allegiance to you. Please help me as I seek to lay aside my struggles with sin and empower me to live for you in unwavering loyalty. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
A Pastor Just Like Me by Erik Johnson
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