Why is life so messy sometimes? Why is pain a part of the human story? The Psalmist reminds us that God is close the broken hearted. Learn from these Bible characters as they teach us ways to find hope when life hurts…
Chronic pain is a constant condition; sharp or dull sensations of discomfort accompany most of our days and nights, whether throughout the body or in one particular place. But sometimes, we have a really tough day or night (or both). Our pain gets worse to the point where it takes over our thoughts and makes it impossible to get comfortable. Our sleep is disrupted, and during daytime, although we might have the best intentions, we cannot do anything enjoyable, let alone productive.
The slippery slope down to depression or anxiety can be like a sheet of ice, allowing us no place to get our foot, to stop the downward trajectory of our inner emotions. But, words are powerful, and especially so when we feel we have few tools to lift us up. Here are some words that, when focused on, repeated, and spoken can help us punctuate our really tough days and nights with encouragement and hope.
Jesus - Find the Joy
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaches us to find the joy in the midst of a trial or hurtful situation. Doing this keeps our mind on eternity instead of the temporary season of pain we may be facing.
Prayer
Righteous Father, I pray that you help the person reading this to
find joy everlasting even in the midst of hurtful circumstances. May
they always be captivated by Your steadfast love and enduring
faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Esther - Draw Near To God
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,
and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day”
– Esther 4:16
When facing a moment of life or death, Esther made the decision to risk her life for the sake of her people. Up until this point Esther had kept her nationality a secret, so she would also be risking her reputation in the eyes of the king. Esther teaches us to face our trials with the help of prayer, fasting and drawing near to God for strength.
Prayer
Father, I pray for deep inner spiritual
strength to give me the ability to withstand. Plant me firmly like a
palm tree, that even when the storm comes – though I may blow from side
to side – I will not be uprooted because my roots are deep in You. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.David - Encourage Yourself In God
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” –
Psalm 42:11
Wow, did you catch that? David is actually encouraging himself in the Lord. He speaks directly to his emotions and reaffirms the authority of God. Don’t let pain paralyze your praise. Instead, through the grace of God remind yourself about God and find your hope in Him.
Prayer
Holy Righteous Father, be with me. Sanctify my emotional life to
be in line with Your Word. Comfort me and bring solace to my soul as I
place my wholehearted trust in You. May Your name be praised and lifted
up forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.to be continued...
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