No matter what you are facing, if you are in Christ, he will carry you through. Our feelings don’t always tell the truth, but sometimes they do. Things are not as they should be because this sin-cursed world hurls brokenness, pain, and loss upon us. No one escapes its touch.
But in these places we come to see and know the faithfulness and sufficiency of Christ like we never would have in times of comfort. As we ache, we learn to lean into his strong arms. As we face our loss, we learn to cling more firmly to our gain in Christ, both now and for eternity. As we cry, we learn to trust that He will not leave us where we are, but will lift us up in due time and put a new song in our mouth - one that will be far more beautiful and lasting than our current cries.
So friend, whatever you are facing today, believe this truth with every ounce of your being. If you’re struggling to, ask Jesus to give you the ability to trust this truth and hope even when you don’t feel it. We may not understand the why or the how or the when. But we can be confident in the Who. He will be faithful.
Who can you encourage with this truth today?
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3
#hopewhenithurts #hopewhenithurtsbook
If you battle depression (or want to grow in your understanding of it), I highly recommend David Murray’s book, “Christians Get Depressed Too.” It’s so balanced in its approach, acknowledging that, although depression always has spiritual aspects, it is often far more complex - involving body, mind, and soul. It’s been such blessing to me. @davidpmurray
The other night, my young son’s mental illness flared in an extreme way and, by the end, I was exhausted in every way possible. But my exhaustion paled in comparison to the heartache I felt as I listened to him cry through sobs that his life was worthless and nothing would every change. Though I knew his life isn’t worthless and assured him of it, I couldn’t promise him that things would get easier or healing would ever come in his lifetime.
But do you know the worst part? I feel utterly helpless to help him.
I don’t understand why God has allowed this incredible suffering in such a young child and I don’t understand why he has chosen to not bring any lasting relief. But, oh my word, he has utterly changed our family through it. He has changed our prayers from solely seeking relief and healing to, “Lord, bring healing if you will, but if not, give us strength for every day and use every ounce of this pain to make us love you more and bring glory to your name. Redeem our son’s life for your eternal purposes.” No, he has not brought healing, but he has answered much of that prayer.
I knelt by my son’s bed after our long painful night and I prayed a prayer that only the Holy Spirit could have enabled me to, as if I was slamming a stake of faith into hardened ground. As I left his room, I felt grief, but I felt hope and confidence that God isn’t finished. He reminded me that, although all I can see is chaos and a hopeless situation, he hears our pleas for help, he sees every tear we shed, he has sustained us through countless trials, he has taken up our cause, and he is redeeming our lives.
Friends, my heart for this group is to be real about the struggles of life because, let’s be honest, Christian platitudes and quotes barely scratch the surface of the deep suffering many of us are experiencing. But God’s Word and his promises are the anchor of our hope and the truth we must cling to. Our words fall short, but his never do. When we call on him, he comes near and says, “Do not fear!” Why? Because he is working on our behalf to redeem our hearts to him, bringing purpose out of our pain and using it in ways we cannot see. He will be faithful.
#hopewhenithurts
"I thank God for his grace and patience as I stumble my way down the path of following his Son. I never imagined the challenges and heartache that I would face in this life, but God knew, and he has promised to carry me through to the end — growing me and drawing me closer to him each step of the way.
Christian, if you find yourself battling bitterness, resentfulness, or anger towards what God has chosen for your life, and how unfair it feels, I encourage you to lift your eyes to our loving Savior who knows your pain, struggles, and heartache. Nothing on this earth compares to knowing Christ and enjoying him now and having the sure hope of eternity with him." Continue reading at link in profile... #hopewhenithurts #setapart #resentment #suffering #gospelhope
