How to not lose heart

06/21/24 • 0 min

How to not lose heart

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16

I find this verse extremely difficult and simultaneously profound. In this verse Paul is describing an external circumstance or condition that he doesn’t expect to get any better. There’s no happy ending coming.

He recognizes it. He acknowledges it. He accepts it. In accepting the things he is unable to change, Paul has found peace. Recognizing the limitations of what could not be altered allowed Paul to focus his energies on the possibilities that still could be.

Paul had a very strong sense of mission or purpose. While he understood the things he could not do, he very much understood what he could do. He was determined to fulfill his mission and leave a legacy that went far beyond his own life.

Paul’s hope was grounded in a radical acceptance of what could not be while simultaneously embracing what still could be. This is how he maintained heart in the face of truly difficult circumstances.

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How to not lose heart

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16

#60secondsofhope

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Living in Harmony

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Living in Harmony

“ How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” - Psalm 133:1

I have come to believe that we do not need to think alike, understand alike, or believe alike in order for us to love each other and live with a type of oneness or unity.

Perhaps the most helpful definition of unity I’ve come across is harmony. When folks are singing together in harmony, not everyone is singing the same note. Rather they sing different notes that blend together to make beautiful music.

What if we take on this model for human interaction? Instead of trying to make everyone sing the same, why not we find a way to blend our parts together to create something beautiful?

We see this sometimes after natural disasters. People of all different backgrounds and beliefs come together doing what they can to offer relief and support, to help rebuild.

This is unity without uniformity. This is living in harmony. It’s good when the human family lives together in this kind of unity.

I’m Horace McMillon. This is 60 Seconds of Hope. Peace be with you.

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Seek Peace Over Wealth and Status

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Seek Peace Over Wealth and Status

“Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” - Ecclesiastes 4:6

The writer of Ecclesiastes encourages us to live balanced lives. While acknowledging that “money answers all things”, the writer also declares that the person seeking silver will never be satisfied with it no matter how much they get.

Those who have studied business have been taught that the goal of a corporation is to maximize profits. While not formally taught, there is often a corresponding belief that individuals should try and make as much as they can to secure their financial futures.

The writer of Ecclesiastes was extremely wealthy. The writer had experienced every pleasure, luxury, and security money could buy. The lesson the writer learned from this: there is nothing more valuable in this life than inner peace and tranquility.

We have to ask ourselves how much is enough. If we have enough, we shouldn’t hesitate to prioritize our peace above wealth and status.

I’m Horace McMillon. This is 60 Seconds of Hope. Peace be with you.

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