Keep it real!

Revision! Uggh! Exams! Aargh! Trying to recall, names, dates, places, symbols, formulas, equations! Remembering things can be so difficult! But when life gets really difficult, it’s important to remember good things. Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote to the Church at Philippi. But he didn’t write to have a moan or to ask for a cake with a file in! ‘I thank my God every time I remember you.’ Paul’s letter was really cheerful! ‘Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.’ (Philippians 4:4 NCV) How encouraging it must have been for the Philippians to receive a letter like that! Hearing how he was praying for them!
Paul got it right. When life’s full of more downs than ups, it’s good to stop and think about all the good people God has brought into your life, who have encouraged you and supported you and then, take some time to let them know you’re thanking God for them! But don’t just wait ’til life gets tough! Let those who have encouraged you always be a part of your life. P-ray for them and let them know you’re thinking of them, A-ct on the good stuff they’ve taught you, R-emember them often, T-hank God for bringing them into your life and ask Him to help you become a great encouragement to someone too!