COUGH IT UP

I waited patiently for the Lord; and
he inclined unto me, and heard
my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible
pit, out of the miry clay, and set my
feet upon a rock, and established
my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall
trust the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

It's a common phrase, at least as I remember...”Cough it up.” I would say it to my children when they were young and seemed to be choking on something. It was also a term often used when getting someone to give something to another they felt they had coming. An example would be: “You owe me five bucks...cough it up.”

Of course there is the usual cough we all endure from time to time. I've often go through it because of all the pollen that at times floats in the air here in mountain country. I swallow allergy meds, but still end up with a pretty good cough.

I have done this before with my blog, but there is a particular brand of cough drops I probably use most that is often an encouragement to me even before putting a drop in my mouth. I won't mention the brand, but it will probably come to mind for anyone who has used them in the past. With this cough drop, there is a very different paper cover on each one. Most people don't either know it or pay attention to the small sayings printed on each wrapper. For the most part, the sayings are words of encouragement. I've gotten where I pay attention to the sayings before throwing the wrappers in a trash can. So allow me to share one of these sayings with an added word of Scripture of encouragement.

“Turn 'can do' into 'can did!'”

I'm reminded of Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:13 that says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I've found in the situations where I'm nervous of the new, that God's timing is always right. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. I have slowly come to learn that when God calls, He equips. Not only does He equip, but He hangs around me during the entire process of whatever it might be I'm called to do. His presence is always such an encouragement.

When we are going through the toughest of times, there is no way we can have the company of an encourager twenty-four hours a day. In the direst of times, it's pretty difficult for any human being to help us keep an “I can” attitude. Life can really beat us up when we are confronted with fear, discouragement and even depression. I realize when encouraged to turn to the Lord, that may not sound like a reality because it isn't a human body to sit with and talk with face to face. BUT, God's presence is different. With the Holy Spirit in us, God's presence is constant and He can move mountainous problems in ways we can't begin to comprehend. Isaiah 41:10 has always been a great encourager to me helps me when I need to keep my chin up.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;
for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness
.

I'm so grateful that He will uphold me in ways that are unbelievable. It's true that “I can do all things through Christ...always in His strength.”

Father, I'm always amazed at the big and small ways You sen my way little nudges of encouragement and even instruction. I'm grateful today for your strengthening and presence in my life. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit and for sending Jesus...in Whose name I pray. Amen