Sooner or later we all hit a patch of discouragement. Webster defines it as, “a loss of confidence or enthusiasm.” I think of it more as a “I want to stay in bed, watch a movie and drown my sorrows in chocolate.” I’m just sayin’. So, if you find yourself stuck in this pickle, please remind yourself that you are NOT alone.
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’
–Billy Graham
A few years ago, our house was substantially damaged by Hurricane Ike and our insurance adjustment was anything but fair. However, since illness had taken its toll, we had to move on. It was time to take a step forward. We would have to deplete our savings in order to restore everything to its original condition. Almost scared to take another step, I found myself grasping for air.
God is merciful when we despair. He will meet you there.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
I know life can be difficult sometimes. I live here too. But God is able. He is big enough for your problems. Although your situation may not get any easier–God will meet you there!
You are LOVED.
You are BLESSED.
You are HIS.
After all, Jesus gave His EVERYTHING for you!
Did any of the verses resonate with you today? If so, which one?