Hope in the Midst of Trials

Giving Up

Often when life seems set against us, it becomes easy to give up on finding meaning, purpose, and love in our lives - but God hasn’t given up on us. If we turn to Him in our grief and sadness, He will uphold us, and lead us to a path of peace.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:13 NLT

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Matthew 11:

Matthew 11:28–30 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Heavy Burdens

In this passage, the Psalmist is at his worst - bitterly disappointed, furious, and hopeless - but even at his worst moment, God reached out in love to take his hand. When we feel completely hopeless, we aren’t alone. God takes our hand and leads us

Isaiah 41:13 NLT

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Psalm 73:

Psalm 73:21–24 NLT

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

Suffering

Suffering is part of this life. Often when we are burdened by a myriad of unresolved issues, feelings, and pain - problems that can mostly; if not always, be resolved. The only thing we lack, is faith in the sovereignty of God. A Biblical understanding of God and all that He promised for those who love Him, inspires hope and diminishes despair. Suffering is never without purpose. Choosing to live by faith that God is in control is the only path toward complete healing and strength to overcome our pain.

Romans 8:28 NLT

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Psalm 40:

Psalm 40:1–3 NLT

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

The Struggle

Romans 28:19

The Struggle

The struggle with depression, despair, and rage is in our minds. Often our perceptions about God and life are flawed. God’s truth helps us sort out what is really true so that we can base our choices on reality instead of wandering in confusion and hopelessness.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NLT

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

2 Corinthians 10:

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NLT

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Prayer

Prayer

Father, thank You that You are an awesome God, there is nobody on earth or in Heaven more powerful, more loving, and kind than You. I thank you for the true gift of life. Every day and each breath is a gift from You. I come to You in the midst of my struggles, my anger, my hopeless thoughts. I know Your love for me is unstoppable; though sometimes I forget. Teach me to know how wide, how high, long and how deep your love for me is. I have heard that I am precious in Your sight; I believe it, but I need the revelation of Your purpose for my life. I know You are much bigger than my suffering, my loneliness, and my pain. Your grace and mercy are more powerful than the greatest evil coming against me. I know that no matter how difficult my life may seem right now, there is always hope in You. Thank you for this Father, in Jesus name… Amen.