Return to 2014 Sermons Page


DOOM AND GLOOM
 

There are some people that never see any good happening nor do they expect it. Even if the good was right in front of them they would not see it because they are looking for the next “bad” situation or circumstance. What a horrible way to see and live life.

Yes, I know there are bad and evil things that happen in our world. In the book of Job we have these words, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). roubles will come but that does not mean that everything is bad or evil and that there are no good things that we can think about it (Phil. 4:8).

The “doom and gloom” mentality is not focusing on the “precepts and promises” of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3) as revealed in His Word but on the “problems” that exist. Some are like 10 of the 12 spies that Moses sent in to spy out the “promise land”. Notice what the spies said about themselves in Numbers 13:33. They were only looking outwardly as they saw the possible problems but did not look to God and His Word for help. What a serious mistake! What are some of the causes of the “doom and gloom” attitude?

(1) WRONG FOCUS – 1 Kings 18-19; 1 Sam. 17; 2 Cor. 4:16-18. It is true that some have lost or are in the process of losing their eyesight spiritually. Some can see but they fail to focus on that which is truly important. They focus on the “temporary instead of the things “eternal”. So when they lose that which is “temporary” they may start developing the “doom and gloom” attitude.

(2) FORGETFULNESS – Numbers 13:28-32. We must never forget what God has done for us and continues to do. As we daily remember Him and how greatly He has blessed us we are preventing “forgetfulness”.

(3) FARFETCHED GOALS – Some are “Expecting Sinless perfection”. Tragically some set themselves up to fail because they have set unrealistic goals. When the goals are not met then the “doom and gloom” mentality begins. Please remember that ultimately our aim in life is be prepared for the “hereafter”.

(4) DESTRUCTIVE WORDS – No wonder that some people have the “doom and gloom” attitude and feel that they are not really important when they hear constantly such words as “There’s no hope for you – no chance – you are nothing but a loser – you’ll never make it”

HOW TO CONQUER – What can one do to conquer this attitude of “doom and gloom”? Let’s notice some things that will help:

  1. Commit the Scripture to our life – Psa. 119:97-100; James 1:2-5.

  2. Overcome Satan’s attacks – 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7

  3. Never forget the Saints of old – Numbers 13; 1 Sam. 17; Daniel 3

  4. Quit listening to man more than God. 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 8:37

  5. Understand the Special place of Prayer. 1 Peter 5:7; Phil. 4:6-7

  6. Emulate the Example of Jesus – 1 Peter 2:21-22

  7. Rely upon the Lord to keep His Word - 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 15; Rev. 2:10

-- Jerry Joseph




Return to 2014 Sermons Page