There was a time, deep into my walk with Jesus, when life became extremely difficult. I told a friend that I felt like a mouse, batted back and forth between the paws of a cat that was toying with his victim before making the final blow.
Yesterday I read a blog by a woman whose husband was dying of cancer. When she was at the absolute hardest point in the battle, she had gone to the hospital cafeteria for some food. There, instead of compassion and kindness, the cashier gave her a difficult time because she was five cents short. I thought back on my time of intense struggle.
Sometimes it seems that when we’re already as stressed out, sad, angry, or hurt as we could possibly be, another arrow is shot in our direction. In those instances, even the smallest infraction against us can seem exaggerated, untimely, and unfair. It’s then that we question God’s love, protection, and provision.
When circumstances seem unbearable, God earnestly desires that we find comfort in Him. He longs for us to experience—in both the finest and most challenging times of our lives—the truth of Psalm 62:6-8: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.”
I can testify that God brought me out of my darkest season. And He gave the woman mentioned above, hope, confidence, and joy, even after the death of her husband.
Today, ask God to help you grasp the essence of Joshua 1:9, “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 14:26-52
More:
Ask God to etch Psalm 18:2 on your heart so you will always remember that He’s your Refuge and the Rock where no enemy can reach you.
Next:
Reflect on a time when your trials seemed insurmountable and overwhelming. How did God minister to your heart? What can you expect of Him today?
ehdlive on September 20, 2013 at 1:47 am
The devil wants do everything in his power to place us in every kind of difficult situations possible to further put us in a TRAP where we doubt of GOD’s promises. And his work is not only limited on a personal level, but generally, on a community and national level, as well.
Sandy on September 20, 2013 at 6:03 am
Roxanne, thank you for bringing me comfort. Your words and God’s word are truly a refuge and strength. Bless you, sweet lady.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on September 20, 2013 at 7:31 am
This devotion will encourage many today, I am sure of that! And I love those verses and the truths they hold about our God who is our refuge!
In looking back over some of the most difficult times in my life I would encourage others to trust that God is faithful to provide comfort and He brings us hope – and then He makes a way through and out of the dark places in our lives.
tom felten on September 20, 2013 at 8:27 am
Thanks for this message, Roxanne. A verse that has meant a great deal to me during times of intense struggle is: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). We can trust in Jesus even in the midst of our difficulties!
GChoo on September 20, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Thank you for today’s devotion Roxanne. Our God is faithful because He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He promised us that He will never forsake us nor abandon us whatever our circumstances. Stay close to His Word and claim His promises of His faithfulness, protection and all His goodness. We will find peace, comfort and hope when we learn to trust Him.
alli on September 20, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Thank you. Today was hard as i stood in a very hard place weeping. God comforted me. I know it was Him that caused it. Thank you we are not forsaken
winn collier on September 26, 2013 at 5:26 pm
The dark will one day yield to the light, thanks for the reminder.