“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18

You ever notice how easy it is to get discouraged when all you see are the problems right in front of you? Bills, bad news, broken relationships — all the stuff that shouts loud and fills your vision. Paul reminds us in this verse that what we see isn’t all there is. The visible world is temporary, but the invisible work of God is eternal.

It’s like sitting on the front porch during a storm. The rain might be pouring, thunder rolling, but behind those clouds the sun is still shining. You just can’t see it yet. Faith lifts your eyes above the storm line. It reminds you that God is still working, still moving, still writing the story even when your page looks blank.

So today, don’t fix your gaze on what’s fading. Look higher. Look deeper. Look to the unseen — the promises of God, the hope of Heaven, the strength of the Spirit.

Because when you learn to see with eyes of faith, you’ll realize that your troubles are temporary but your testimony is eternal.

James 5:13 (KJV) says, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”

That verse is short, but it’s a whole prescription for life right there. James is saying, “Whatever season you’re in, talk to God about it.”

If you’re hurting, pray. If you’re happy, praise. Either way, stay connected to the One who holds you together. Prayer and praise are like the two wings of faith, when both are moving, your spirit soars.

Sometimes, we get it backwards. When we’re hurting, we run to people first instead of to God. And when we’re happy, we forget to thank Him because we’re too busy enjoying the blessing. But James reminds us that whether you’re crying tears of pain or tears of joy, God wants to be part of both.

So today, if your heart is heavy, pray. Pour it out before Him. If your heart is light, sing! Lift up a song of gratitude. Either way, turn your face toward Heaven and keep that line open.

Because prayer invites God into your pain,

and praise invites God into your peace.

And when God’s in both, life stays anchored in grace.

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” -Psalm 31:24 (KJV)

There are days when your strength feels spent, when your prayers sound more like sighs and your faith feels like it’s running on fumes. But right here, David reminds us: “Be of good courage.”

Courage doesn’t always look like shouting in battle or standing on a mountaintop. Sometimes it’s getting up again when you feel knocked down. Sometimes it’s whispering, “I still trust You, Lord,” through tears.

And here’s the beautiful promise: when you find the courage to keep hoping, God strengthens your heart. Not just your body or your circumstances, but the deep-down part of you that keeps you standing when life shakes you.

Hope is the anchor that holds when everything else slips.

Courage is the choice to grip that anchor tighter.

So today, breathe deep, square your shoulders, and lift your chin. You’re not walking through this storm alone. God is still working, still strengthening, still faithful.

Be of good courage, because your heart is in the hands of the One who never fails.