Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who has promised is faithful.”
Have you ever had times of despair? Times when the world around you seems so darkened; the fog so thick that you can’t see where you are going or what lies ahead. Fears begin to consume you as you are overrun with doubt, uncertainty and confusion. The world’s burdens seem so heavy that you feel like you will crumble at any time. I don’t know about you, but I have felt this many times, and it’s scary. I felt completely vulnerable and ripe for this world to chew me up and spit me out on a number of occasions. However then I am reminded of a beautiful promise…”He who promised is faithful” ( Hebrews 10:23).
During a particular period in my life, I found myself holding onto that promise more then ever. Loneliness was at times crushing me from every side. Anxiety and insecurity had twisted my mind. Fear and uncertainty had bound me down, at times choking me relentlessly. My heart frequently cried out in despair and anguish, as I felt it being torn mercilessly inside! However there is one thing that has seen me through these struggles, and will continue to for the rest of my earthly life… God’s certain faithfulness! What a comfort it is! No matter what struggles I’ve gone through, I can say without any hesitation that God has met me at my lowest and picked me up. Whether He has given me a particular verse, the right consoling person or friends, a comforting thought or just an unexplainable peace within, God has always faithfully helped me persevere. In those dark times I hold firmly onto the promises He has given me. They provide the beacon of light I need to push through the fog and break free from the shackles. To throw oneself into His powerful, secure arms is the most liberating feeling! There is no better place to be! He gives us what we need to carry on, whether it is strength, wisdom, insight, friends, refined skills and abilities, passion, direction, focus, purpose, self worth, security, and most importantly hope. His love encapsulates us and reminds us of His good plans for us; plans to prosper and to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
What struggles are choking you at the moment?
What despairing thoughts are plaguing your mind?
We live in a deprived, tough and cruel world. We have the constant and relentless inner battle with our sinful natures. We fight against an enemy that wants nothing more than to tear us down and see us suffer needlessly! But we need not despair. We need not cower into our shells. We need not give up under the crushing burdens of guilt, shame, anxiety, fear or loneliness. We have a God who loves us all no matter what we have done or what struggles we have. We have a God who is always ready to listen and patiently help us with all our needs, a God who is bigger and infinitely more powerful than anything this world can hurl at us! We have a God who will rise us up and give us the victory no matter the battle that looms ahead.
In Jesus we have security, value and peace.
In Jesus we have focus, direction and eternal purpose.
In Jesus we have one another for support and encouragement.
In Jesus we have… certain hope!
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
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