Life is hard, each day is different but one thing each day brings is “trouble of it’s own.” (Matthew 6:34) We don’t even like to think about trouble, we don’t like to go there in our minds. But we all go through it, life throws us curve balls and can be downright brutal at times.
But what if I told you life doesn’t have to be as hard as it is?
Maybe for you it’s been the loss of a loved one or a serious illness in your body. Maybe it’s a struggle with an addiction or a troubled marriage. It could be a rebellious child, an ugly divorce, a car accident or a sudden job loss. We all go through difficult seasons in life, some more difficult than others. Sometimes it might not be one event but rather a series of small events that have a way of dragging us down – leaving us feeling beatdown, defeated, worried or stressed. Jesus knew life in this world would be difficult when he said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
But how do we experience peace and overcome when facing such difficulties in our lives?
The scriptures say it’s through our faith! (1 John 5:4) We can rise above the feelings that leave us beatdown, defeated, worried and stressed by bringing those very real things that we feel to Jesus in prayer. It’s there in the place of prayer where we find that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 It’s there where we’re reminded of God’s promise, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” And so we’re able to say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6
It’s in God’s presence that we’re reminded we are not alone. His loving kindness washes over us and our heavy load is lifted, our burdens become lighter and we find help for our day. (Matthew 11:28-30) Everything doesn’t always change but one thing that almost always does is us! Our perspective changes, He helps us to see things differently and through faith He helps us overcome!
The old spiritual “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” comes to mind, particularly the line, “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
Friends, make sure to go to God in prayer! Remembering that God is our helper and help from God means difficult things become easier!
Blessings!
John
“To those who grieve He will give beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and a song of praise for a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3
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