Bless the Lord

Today is a hard day. I am facing many circumstances that I don't like. I'm left wondering why. When things are particularly tough, I don't always like my reactions....self pity, discouragement and confusion just to name a few.  But, a wise man taught me that emotions are involuntary, instantaneous reactions.  He taught me that I don't need to get hung up on them, but rather that what I choose to do is more important.  So, I am choosing to bless the Lord.  That is always a good response.
What is going in your life?  What seemingly impossible challenges are you facing?  Will you take some time with me and bless the Lord? 
I love this song by Matt Redman, "10,000 reasons." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ
I've listened it to several times this week.  But, singing along (in between tears) really does encourage my heart.  I hope it encourages yours too.

An Eternal Weight of Glory

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward [man] is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen [are] temporary, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18


I long to encourage the hearts of those who are enduring prolonged trials, especially those are ill.  What better encouragement is there than to know that our suffering is not in vain? Even if we cannot see the reasons or the fruit of our endurance now. An "ETERNAL weight of glory."  When we arrive at eternity, we will know that nothing was wasted...
I know how real the suffering is; sometimes, it can feel overpowering.  But, we can know that when that "eternal weight of glory..." is our new reality, that glory will be more than worth our "light affliction, which is but for a moment..."