Surely, God is My Helper

Read: Psalm 46:1-3

“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” - Ecclesiastes 9:11

I am so glad that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He cares about our soul – our mind, will and emotions - when we are so emotionally wounded that we can barely hold up our head or even take deep breaths. In this world, we will have many troubles – spiritual, mental, emotional, financial and physical, but God promises to deliver us out of them all (Psalm 34:18-19).

God is a refuge for the oppressed, and a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). We can run to Him and be saved.  When we take refuge in Him,He helps us and delivers us from evil (Psalm 37:39-40). We are never alone. No matter what trial befalls us, we can rest assured that someone else has already walked this path before us, and tomorrow someone else will enter into it. God gives us the light of His Word, so that we can use it to illuminate our path, and the path of others who follow after us. We can trust in God at all times, and pour out our heart to Him (Psalm 62:8). The Lord is our sustainer (Psalm 54:4) as we walk through life (James 1:2-4).

I will sing of His strength and His love, because He is my fortress (Psalm 59:16). My salvation and my honor depend on God, and I have nothing to fear. He is my mighty rock (Psalm 62:7). When I call upon Him, He answers me, and makes me bold and stouthearted as I face my enemies (Psalm 138:3).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, let me not consider myself wise or to boast in my wisdom, strength or riches. I know that the swift will not escape, the strong will not muster their strength, and the warrior will not save his own life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the horseman will not save his own life. It is only in You that we find our safety, our provision, our strength and our salvation.

Thought for the Day:

I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. – Habakkuk 3:18

God Keeps Life From Hurting So Much

Read: 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;”

- 2 Corinthians 4: 8

Have you ever had “one of those days”? Maybe today was not the best of days. You admit to feeling depressed. You are under great pressure, far beyond your ability to endure. Your body aches from lack of rest. Conflicts plaque you from the outside, and fears afflict you from within your soul. Possibly, you even despair of life and long for Heaven.

I’ve been in that dark state before too. I usually read my Bible before trying to go to sleep. At times like these, God always uses his Word to bring me comfort, direction and peace. 2 Corinthians 4:8 reminds me that God keeps life from hurting so much. Although life tries to press us in from all sides, it will never crush us. When life frustrates us, it will not take away our hope.

Christ in me is my hope of glory (Col 1: 27). When I bow my head in prayer and listen to God’s Spirit, He fills me to overflowing and I feel like I can soar with the eagles. Once this happens, I know that I can continue to work without growing weary. I can help others without feeling faint. As I hope in the Lord, He renews my strength (Isa 40: 31).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, although troubles surround us on every side, we are not without hope. When life gets too hard for us, You walk with us through the trials. Thank You for Your joy, which is our strength (Neh 8:10).

Thought for the Day:

Success is sweeter after we have tasted failure.

Help in Times of Trouble

Read: Psalm 46: 1-3

“You will give me greater honor than before and turn again and comfort me.” - Psalms 71:21 (TLB)

In the past, I often struggled with feeling undeserving of God’s love and care. Satan magnified my imperfections and convinced me that God was upset with me or did not care about me. During stressful times, I often viewed the agitation as a curse from God. I accused Him of holding a grudge against me. In reality, the opposite is true. These stressful events actually come into my life so that He can prove to me that He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3; 7:6).

As soon as a hint of trouble arises in our lives, God offers Himself to us as a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). Just as in Biblical days, He allows these trials to provide us and those around us with a glimpse of His awesome power in our lives. When others see Him working events out for our good, they may eventually turn to Him in their day of trouble. They may even ask us why we have so much peace in so much turmoil. At these times, we can be ready with our testimony of His grace and love.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for supplying all of our needs according to Your riches in glory. Help me to live my life so that people will see Your faithfulness and glorify You in their lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

Remember that there will always be times such as this, and God will always be faithful.