Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

In these verses, Paul encourages us to not lose heart. That’s to not be discouraged by the things of this world. That, as we grow older, our physical bodies are “wasting away.” When I consider what it means to be renewed daily, I cannot see this renewal happening when we focus on what we see. Although those seen things are temporary, the more we focus on them instead of the unseen aspect of God, the more we can become discouraged and the more those “light and momentary troubles” seem heavy and unbearable.

Therefore, we must do what we can to keep our minds focused on Jesus. I cannot think of how to do this without reading the Bible, praying, and worshiping the Lord. Indeed, the more time we spend with the Lord, the more we see what’s really important. Once we realize the importance of Jesus in our lives, we can tell others by sharing the goodness of Jesus. Furthermore, when we pray for others, we’re no longer self-centered but become Christ-centered.

I praise you, Father, for who you are. Thank you for this encouragement today. Father, as you have encouraged me, may others be encouraged, and Lord, I pray that those who do not know you will have their eyes open to see, ears open to hear, and hearts changed to receive the salvation you have for them. Thank you for doing this. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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