Vol. 9, No. 4, November, 2004

From the Editor
Sr. Jan Nattermann, S.N.C.

"Why are you cast down, 0 my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, by help and my God" (Psalm 42:5)."

Hope is destroyed by discouragement. Of course, the devil constantly tries to discourage us. What happens without hope? We give up which is just what the devil wants. We will not be victorious if we get discouraged. Jesus came to give us hope, to be our hope. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us about God's plan for us and it is one of hope: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

When you get discouraged look at how you have been thinking. Does it go something like this?

"This is just too hard and impossible. I can't do it. I'm must a failure. Nothing ever changes. I just can't be different. I might as well throw in the towel. I am so tired of trying to get things right. I pray everyday and on my knees and God just doesn't hear me. I quit."

If this expresses your thoughts, no wonder you get discouraged. Do you realize, you become what you think? It just takes some discouraging thoughts to become discouraged. Try thinking positively like this:

"Well, things weren't perfect today but there was a little progress. I chose some wrong thinking but you, Lord, are my help and my God. Your mercy is new every morning. I refuse to give in to discouragement. Help me choose the right thoughts--strengthen my will to choose the good."

Can't you begin to feel the victory, the hope in this positive, God-like way of thinking? I can!