Penned by: Debbie McDaniel, Fresh Day Ahead
on Friday, July 8th, 2016
Posted by INTO THE LIGHT Journal on Monday, February 18th, 2019 at 12:48pmCST
Some days, life is just hard. The days look dark. Uncertain times and stress mount high. An unexpected diagnosis or devastating loss can feel too difficult to face.
Though we may realize our faith is most strengthened, not in the easy times of life, but in the most trying, it’s often hard to walk that out once we're swirling in the midst of it all. We long for carefree days, yet sometimes, God takes our hand and leads us straight into the darkest of times. Not to harm us, ever. But to bring greater strength, character, trust, beauty, and perseverance to the deepest part of our souls.
His desire for us in this life is to ultimately make us more like Him. To have a relationship with us. He will not leave us sitting in dark days but will walk with us through until we come out on the other side. Changed. Stronger. Renewed. With great purpose.
Song: Come And Fill My Heart Photo credits: Crosswalk.com blogspot; Debbie McDaniel, Fresh Day Ahead |
For those who need fresh hope today...you are not alone.
You are never forgotten.
He is with You.
Every step of the way.
10 Verses for when you feel broken, for those in need of comfort:
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Ps 147:3
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Ps 34:18
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
"I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait on the Lord." Ps 27:13-14
"Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Cor 1:3-4
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:22
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor 12:9
Know that He loves you, He cares about what you're walking through, every single thing. And He hasn't left you, not ever. Praying that you'll have a fresh glimpse of His Presence as He's bringing you through, to the other side of the grief.
There's more in store...He has good for you...and whispers hope.
A Prayer for When You're Hurting:
Dear God,
Some days feel too hard. We’re hurting. Struggling. Fighting fear and worry at every turn. Thank You in the midst of it all, You haven’t left us to fend for ourselves. Forgive us for doubting You are there. Forgive us for thinking You’ve forgotten. Forgive us for believing we somehow know the better way.
You are fully trustworthy. You are All-Powerful. You are Able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are Healer and will never waste the grief we carry today. You will use all things for good in some way. Anything is possible with You. Nothing is too difficult for You.
We pray for those who grieve today. We ask for Your comfort to surround those who weep. We pray for the peace of Your presence to cover our minds and thoughts, as You remind us, the enemy can never steal us out of Your hands. He never has the final say over our lives. We are kept safe in Your presence forever, whether in life or in death.
We thank You that Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are bigger than our thoughts.
We lay it all down at Your feet, every burden, every care. Believing that is the safest place for it to be.
We love You, Lord, we need Your fresh grace.
In the Powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen.