In a world that’s swirling in difficult times, with destruction, fear, and uncertainty all around; when we find ourselves facing huge battles and struggles, we need true hope and peace to carry us through. And no matter how hard we may look, we can’t find it in this world or in material possessions that can be so easily lost and swept away in a flood or fire. We can’t find it even in the people we most love in this life. Real hope and lasting peace can only be found in Christ. And He hasn’t left us here to fend for ourselves, not ever. God gives us His word, and His Holy Spirit, to carry us through. He still speaks to us today through His powerful scriptures. As believers, He reminds us that we are strengthened by His very Spirit within us day by day.
Yet even when we know this is true, sometimes the troubles we face take us by surprise. We find ourselves up against storms we didn’t even see coming. We struggle through setbacks and loss of so much we hold dear. And it’s often then, when life is shaken and rattled to the core, that God has our attention. And we have the most potential to gain deeper faith, greater perseverance, and watch God at work doing miracles all around. If you find yourself there today, take courage. He promises that He is close, and He is fighting for you today…
Isaiah 43:2
God reminds us that He will be with us no matter what we walk through in this life. And He says “when” we do, not “if,” for in this world we know we will face difficult times. But our hope is not in this world, it’s secure in Christ.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our safe place, our shelter, He alone is the place we can run to when we face difficult circumstances. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Psalm 46:1-2
Isaiah 41:10
God promises His help and strength, He promises His presence with us. He reminds us that He holds us in His hands, which is the safest place to be when troubles rise.
“So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Matthew 12:28-30
Jesus Himself is our peace. It cannot be found in this world, in things, or even in the people we love most. He invites us to come to Him and He will give us rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 12:28-30
Lamentations 3:22-23
God’s faithfulness is never ending, every sunrise, every morning, we are reminded of His great love.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Philippians 4:5-7
God promises that He is close, He gives us the peace that the world cannot offer.
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 59:19
The enemy will do all he can to bring defeat, he will be hard at work in destruction and loss, but God will never allow him to have the final victory. Our God is greater, and will work on behalf of His people even in places we cannot fully see.
“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
John 14:27
Jesus says not to be afraid, not to let our hearts be troubled. He offers peace that the world can never give.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubles and do not be afraid.”
Joel 2:25-27
God alone is our Restorer and He alone is able to repay all that’s been lost. He promises to work on behalf of His children, He is a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for Him to heal and redeem.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you, never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know…that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other.” Joel 2:25-27
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
His grace is always enough for every need, for every burden, for every difficulty, for every day. Don’t try to do it on your own strength, He is faithful to help us in our weaknesses, and His power is great.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.
Originally published Friday, 08 September 2017.
