hard times Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:1-6

Which is more influential in your life—circumstances or your perspective? Although we may long for a pleasant life filled with abundance, comfort, and good experiences, the reality is that we live in a fallen world. Almost nothing is as it should be, but the way we perceive life’s hardships and burdens depends largely on our perspective.

For example, when we are overburdened, the world might look dark even when the sun is shining. The birds may be singing, but all we hear are the sorrowful cries of our own heart. The burdens seem so overwhelming that we may even distance ourselves from others, yet that only encourages us to dwell even more on our problems and leads us further into despair.

But when we open the book of Psalms, the words penetrate our bleak circumstances, inviting us to draw near and find rest in the Lord. How gracious of Him to give us this amazing book of comfort. But greater still are the lessons we learn from it.

In today’s psalm, David is weighed down with burdens. He asks, “How long?” Have you ever felt like that? He describes his troubles and pleads for an answer, but by the end of the psalm, his perspective shifts when he remembers that God is trustworthy.

If you feel as if you’re bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders, stop and look up to your heavenly Father. Remember a time in the past when God carried you through hard circumstances, and rejoice in His steadfast faithfulness. He didn’t fail you then, and He will not fail you now.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
From: http://www.intouch.org/

Life can become hectic and unstable.

Some of us rely on an income that isn’t steady or ebbs and flows with the seasons. Others are consumed with studies in graduate school, or feel overwhelmed with their workload. Some of us have lost a job unexpectedly. Others have lost a relationship or still aren’t in one and feel frustrated and confused.

All of these situations can induce fear and anxiety, but they don’t have to. Jesus has left us with His peace – to know that He will get us through these trials and provide for our needs. In Matthew 6, Jesus asks if God takes care of the animals, why wouldn’t he take care of us, His children? Perhaps some of these unexpected events are the result of a loving God trying to draw us closer to Him.

When hard times come, and we’re backed up in a position we can’t get out of, we tend to run to God. We suddenly realize that He’s our only help.

Instead of worrying about where the income is going to come from when you’ve applied for job after job, trust that God will provide at the right time. Rather than spending hour after hour holed up in your room with your studies, take a breather and enjoy the blessings around you, like friends, family and nature. Stop fretting over your relationship issues. Instead, take them to God. He’ll help you.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for worrying instead of trusting. Give me your peace to realize that you’re in control, and you will not leave me lonely and struggling. Let me look to your word and be strengthened by all of the stories of deliverance and grant me the ability to wait patiently in the meantime. Amen.

By Ashlea Massie
Used by Permission

When Burdens Seem Unbearable

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No Fear

Life can become hectic and unstable.

FURTHER READING

Tag: <span>hard times</span>

When Burdens Seem Unbearable

FURTHER READING

No Fear

Life can become hectic and unstable.

FURTHER READING