Happy Monday.
It’s officially spring–yeah!
We have blooming trees, daffodils, tulips…and pot holes!
Because of extreme highs and lows in temperatures this winter, roads and cars are suffering.
I have a deep pot hole not too far from my home that I have had to drive over carefully.
I got to thinking, do we have “pot holes” in our lives? I think I have hit a few–like sneaky discouragement.
Because of fickle emotions, which have “highs” and then without warning, extreme “lows,” we can be knocked for a loop, as the saying goes.
Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls”…leaving us with no protection against the enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy.
But as I study that verse from the book of wisdom, it indicates we do have the ability to control our emotions. In fact, self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
A story that so depicts how we are capable of great victory then utter despair is Elijah, told in 1 Kings 18:25-41.
He was given the opportunity as God’s prophet to have the contest with hundreds of Baal’s prophets.
Through Elijah’s great courage and faith, God was the victor! What a high! Did it last? No.
Soon after, Baal’s follower, Jezebel, chased Elijah with the intent to kill him.
Then we find Elijah, courage completely gone, sitting under a juniper tree, asking God to kill him. Can you identify with him?
In thinking of God’s response to Elijah’s “down time,” it helps me to know how He sees our tendency to get discouraged.
Realizing Elijah’s exhaustion from the great battle with Baal, and his running from Jezebel, God sent an angel to care for his physical needs. God wasn’t mad at him.
I’m glad we are told God remembers that we are flesh, just dust. He was tempted in all areas as we are, but without sin, He understands our frailty.
You would probably say with me that life is mostly a smooth road of “highs.” But occasionally, a bumpy ride of discouragement hits.
The question comes in Psalms 43:5, “Why art thou cast down?”
The way up? “Hope in God,” the unchanging way out of a “pot hole.”
Monday with Beverly 
So happy to have found your bloy on my friend’s page! Yes, the best way out of a pothole that I have found is to SING! God just loves to hear his children singing and making melody in their hearts to Him!
LikeLike
Always ….such a blessing, encouragement & especially God’s truth! I so enjoy each Monday morning, am never disappointed, and am a l ways able to apply your posts so specifically to my own life! I also usually share them with others. Thank you for never getting ‘out of the race’ by continuing to be used so greatly in whatever manner possible!
LikeLike
Well I was posting my comments in answer to your blog and hit a wrong button and they are gone. Gone where, I have no idea, but will try again. Your use of pot holes as ups and downs in our life is a great example. Since there are all sizes of pot holes just like there are problems in our daily lives it makes it easy for me to understand. Thank you too for the Bible verses to help me better understand from the scriptures. I have the flu, that is why my response to your blog did not come on Monday. Take care, God bless and love you lots. Mrs.Lee Ann Gray
LikeLike
This helped me so much! Thank you, Mrs. Hyles for sharing and being a blessing and encouragement! I love you!!
LikeLike
great analogy, thank you
LikeLike
On the road of life, I believe that discouragement is one of Satan’s deepest “potholes.” Praise the Lord for our Great Physician, who always comes along to repair those “potholes.” He is faithful. I Corinthians 10:13. Your post each Monday are always such a tremendous encouragement to me and I’m sure to countless others also. Please keep sharing your thoughts with us. I love you!
LikeLike
Since Dick died almost 3 yrs ago I have had highs and I have had lows.,but I always remember Bro Hyles saying find out what gets you up and do it. For me it’s praising the Lord. Thank you for a timely reminder. You are blessed and a blessing.
LikeLike
Again, dear lady, you have been used of God to speak to my heart…looking for blessings, amongst the pot holes of life!
Your Friend from VA,
Linda
LikeLike
It’s amazing how a small thing like a pothole can develop such thought provoking lessons. I love reading your blogs because your knowledge of the Bible exemplifies everything you say. You are amazing. Thank you for instilling your love for God to everyone you teach.
LikeLike
It is nice to “listen” to you again Mrs. Hyles. I am glad that you are still in good health.
My son Tom still talks about walking you to your car after church services.
LikeLike
Thank you!!! Needed that this morning.
LikeLike