Archive for the ‘ Struggles ’ Category
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, ESV
We can trust that our God made us with a plan. Let us get over anxieties in life by praising the One who made us and saves us, then we can feel free to ask for His help in all things.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, ESV
It is because of sin – individually and collectively – that we face hard times. Our God has given us His peace and a firm hope to endure and overcome through the cross of Christ.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10, ESV
When our focus is on God, even the sufferings of this world will seem insignificant as we remember His suffering for us and the promise of renewal and restoration in the next life.
The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 9:13, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
We do horrible things to each other and against God.
We don’t like to believe that God punishes people, either. However, the Old Testament shows how often Israel disobeyed God, and God allowed and even sent disasters and armies to correct them and draw them back to Himself.
But we like to think we know better, so we refuse to go to Him or even blame Him for everything wrong in this life.
How could He allow such bad things to happen? How could a good God let evil happen to good people?
But He has told us that none of us are truly good, that we don’t seek our Maker.
He sends and allows because He has given us the choice to ignore, hate, and refuse Him.
Yes, God sends things that hurt but it to draw us in, and He also sends Himself to hold us.
May we seek the Lord who draws us in.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19, ESV
We like to think we can handle all life throws at us, but often the world mistreats the people doing what is right. Thankfully, our God and Savior warned us, prepares us, and redeems us, giving us hope for eternal life with Him, finally free from pain and worry.
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
Psalm 59:16, ESV
God can handle anything in His sovereignty over everything. We can trust Him, whether this life going well or we are at our wits’ end from fear, frustration, or pain.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29, ESV
This world is full of concerns, obligations, and worries, but our God is sovereign and mighty.
Trust in Him and His Word.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18, ESV
Our Lord understands us completely, and those who can be humble and admit their hurts and needs are closer to Him than they may realize and will see Him one day face to face.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2-3, ESV
When troubling time comes, we rely on Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit, knowing that God is staying us closer to Himself through our circumstances.
Cast your burden on the Lord , and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22, ESV
God does not promise no trouble in life. “Cast your burden” implies problems. Rather, He uses our difficulties and our reliance on Him to shine His light to this hurting world.
a simple man of God 