“Say to the people of Isra’el: ‘I am ADONAI [the Lord]. I will free you from the forced labor of the Egyptians, rescue you from their oppression, and redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as my people, and I will be your God.’” “Moshe (Moses) said this to the people of Isra’el. But they wouldn’t listen to him, because they were so discouraged, and their slavery was so cruel.” (Exodus 6:6-9)

Moses was bringing great news, truth from God himself but the people were too discouraged to believe. Have you ever been too discouraged to believe God will deliver? Most of us have. Our default seems to be the negative side of things. “It’s easier to not believe, then you won’t be disappointed when it doesn’t happen.” Whose words are those? Words of the enemy–lies. God’s truth instructs us to trust and believe. It’s impossible to have a rotten attitude if you are walking on God’s path. There is no room for self-pity, fear, hatred, anger…when you are focusing on God’s goodness and promises.

Do you realize that your attitude can make or break you?  Have you seen that both negativity and positivity are contagious? Do you know that your thought pattern will affect your physical health? Do you believe that you are the one who controls how you react to everything in your life since the choice is yours, each moment? I remind my grandkids continually that they have the ability to change their attitude and it all starts on the face. When they begin to turn their frown upside down it’s nearly impossible not to smile. As the smile spreads across their face, and they try to stop it–not easy with a gramma like me since I am quite animated–the scowl creases begin to disappear and you can feel the air change.

The Hebrews moaned and groaned, wandering forty years on a 250-mile journey–never happy except for the times they physically saw God work. Imagine if they had learned to trust and believe. Do you only believe when you see? Where’s the trust in that? “He will take you as his own and be your God. He will free you from your oppression and redeem you.”

 Meditate on the truth, it builds your trust muscle. You can find joy in your walk with Christ when you learn to trust. He is faithful to save. His arms are open. Discouragement is a weapon of the enemy that will not harm you if you are trusting. Take action in your heart, don’t be a bystander waiting to see what happens. When you see it coming at you, whisper or shout the name of Jesus. Be prepared–it will come at you. Be at peace, Jesus is already there.