A "Cast Down" Soul (Psalm 42:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:5

I honestly don't know how anyone lives without the hope that comes from Jesus Christ. Waking up every morning without the confidence that a loving God is in control and has a plan for my life, for my pain ... I wouldn't want to go on living.

However, even though I believe with everything I am that God has a purpose for my pain, there are days when my soul is "cast down" and disquieted. There are days when the world and all its "junk" attempt to steal my joy and peace.

It's on those days that I draw even closer to the Lord, when I spend more time in His word and in prayer. I praise Him even more through the difficult days. On those days, I remember those verses that remind me of God's love for me (Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16), that He has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11-13), that He is always with me (Hebrews 13:5), that He will give me peace and hope (Romans 5:1-6), that He will always work even the most difficult situations for good (Romans 8:28), and that I will one day be with Him in heaven—pain-free (Revelation 21:3-4).

Yes, days will come when I the pain and weariness of this tired, decaying body will "cast down" my soul. There are days when the cares of this world will "disquiet" me.  No matter what, though, I will find my hope in God. I will praise Him as I seek His face.

I'll make it through those days ... one day at a time.

Hope Through Adversity (Psalm 71:14)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 71:14

Many of the psalms are written as cries from the heart.

In the verses that precede today’s, the psalmist was crying out for help from God. His enemies were at his back, looking to hurt him.

But even in the midst of his fear, he could still hope in God.

And not only could he hope in God, but he could also praise Him.

It’s one thing to have hope in difficult times. Even when things seem at their worst, we can always have hope that God will get us through, that He will provide protection, that He will be the ultimate victor.

It’s an entirely different thing to praise God in the most difficult times.

Have you ever thought about praising God even when the enemies are chasing after you?

Have you ever raised your voice in praise when you’re hurting and tired and confused?

It’s not always easy, but it can make even the hardest times more bearable because when we’re praising God, when we’re worshipping Him for the awesome God that He is, sometimes the burdens are lighter, the pain is less severe, the struggles are easier to handle.

Have hope in God at all times, but more importantly, praise Him . . . at all times.

Are you hurting right now? Are you struggling? Praise Him. Lift your voice in praise right now. And live in hope.     

More Precious Than Gold (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Today’s scripture: 1Peter 1:6-9

I find it very interesting that some followers of Christ are surprised when trials come. Somehow they think that becoming a Christian means rainbows, cotton candy, and puppy dogs.

They haven’t read their Bible apparently.

I’ve written before about being refined as gold, and I love today’s scripture. Not the being “distressed by various trials” part. Frankly, I’d rather avoid trials. Suffering isn’t on my top ten favorite things to do. If God chose to grow me and mature my faith in any other way, I’d say, “Bring it on.”

But that’s not how God works. He knows we’re fickle and frail and fleshly. He knows we (or maybe it’s just me) tend to be self-sufficient when the skies are clear and the waves calm. It’s when the storms hit—when we face the fiery furnace—that we lift our hands up and plead for His presence.

So no, I’d rather not have the trials, but since I know I’m who I am today because of the difficult times and how they’ve shaped me, I can rejoice as Peter exhorted.

I can praise and glorify and honor my Lord. I can love Him through the trials. I can find hope, knowing that my trials are for “a little while.” And I can be confident God will use those trials to make me precious like gold. 

Rejoice in Suffering ... Really ... (Colossians 1:24)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:24

Rejoicing in sufferings goes against society norms. How one could find anything good in pain and affliction is a complete contradiction to nonbelievers.

Yet throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament, followers of Christ are told to expect suffering. And, yes, even rejoice in it. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that we are to "consider it all joy" when we face trials or difficult times (James 1:2). Why? Because God will use our suffering for His glory.

And again, our non-believing friends don't get it. They say, "Why would a loving God allow His children to suffer?"

The Bible says a lot about this very thing. If we continue to read the passage from James, we learn that going through trials will one day make us "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (v. 4).

In another letter, Paul wrote that his suffering helped him to realize from where his strength really came: God Himself. He discovered that it was only in his weakness that he came to rely solely on God, and therefore, he could say with conviction, "... when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

I know this is true. When I lived under my own "strength," I often failed. Yet, because of chronic health issues that keep me relatively weak, I find strength in Jesus. He's with me, walking alongside me ... often carrying me.

And so I can rejoice in my suffering because it draws me closer to my Lord God. Even more, my suffering makes me long for eternity, for the day when I can stand whole and strong before my God.

Hope Through Suffering (Philippians 1:29-30)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:29-30

Okay. Today’s verses aren’t the most uplifting we’ve read lately. While we are thrilled we’ve been granted the right to believe in Christ, we still would prefer not to have to suffer. However, as I’ve written many times, suffering, trials, and tribulations will come. Not only do we live in a fallen world that’s becoming more and more corrupt each day it seems, but we also are smack-dab in the middle of a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12).

I think the key here is “for His sake.” When we suffer for Christ and for our faith, and we are able to respond with joy, God is glorified. When we can use our suffering to encourage and comfort others, they may see Christ in us (2 Cor. 1:3-7). And God often uses our suffering to draw us closer to Him as we realize our own weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

The world uses suffering as a case against a loving God, but we who know Him understand that He loves us through suffering. He guides us through the trials. He carries us through the tribulations. And He holds us tightly through the pain.

As much as I’d love to be free from my daily pain, I quite honestly wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned, the encouragement I’ve been blessed to offer, and the intimacy I have with my Lord for anything. Even a healthy strong body.

What trial are you facing today? What pain are you experiencing? Draw close to your Abba Father, and crawl into His lap. Let Him help you through the suffering, even if He chooses not to remove it.

Purpose for Adversity (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Adversity isn’t a new concept to us Christians. Paul experienced more trial and tribulation than most of us ever will. Beatings. Shipwrecks. Imprisonment. Yet he was able to look at those adversities as part of his refining process.

He wasn’t crushed or despairing or forsaken or destroyed ... How could that be?

I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain I could have as positive an outlook as he did. When I’m feeling particularly unwell, I sometimes despair wondering if I’ve fallen to a new plateau. And to be honest? Every once in a while—not often, but sometimes—I feel forsaken.

But then I have to remember that God has a purpose for adversity. Just as iron sharpens iron and the fire purifies gold, difficult times make us stronger. They make us more reliant on God. They make us seek His truth.

If we keep our eyes on God, if we understand the purpose behind affliction, then we can withstand being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. We can, in fact, trust Him to use the difficult times to refine us and to glorify Himself.

Comfort ... A Reason for Suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

I would give a lot to live without constant pain and fatigue. I would love to wake up one morning and feel well. It would be a pretty amazing thing …

But that doesn’t seem to be God’s plan. Oh, I’ve prayed for healing. Others have as well. And I believe with all my heart that God could take my pain away, but for reasons known only to Himself, He does not.

So, since He hasn’t healed my earthly pain, I’ve had to make a choice: wallow in the pain or see a greater purpose in it. And I choose the latter.

That’s why I love verses like today’s. There is a purpose in pain. For me, one purpose is that it keeps me focused on God. I know I can’t handle it on my own. Those mornings when I wake up and it’s all I can do to even get out of bed? I immediately ask the Lord for strength, just to get through that day. And He does.

The other purpose is that I’m able to comfort others who deal with health issues. I can offer a shoulder or a hug. I can give advice based on my own experience. I can pray with them and for them.

There’s nothing quite like having someone who’s experienced something similar to what you’re going through. While my wonderful husband loves me and wants to help me, he really doesn’t “get it.” And I’m glad he doesn’t because I wouldn’t want him to live with the pain I do.

So when I need a bit of comfort myself, I tend to gravitate to others who can empathize. To those who say—and mean it—“I know what you’re going through.” Not a pity party, mind you … just a feeling that I’m not on this journey alone.

Yes, I’d love to be pain-free. But since I’m not, I can feel blessed because I know God is using my pain.

It’s not just about physical pain. Whatever you’ve experienced—abuse, infertility, divorce, addiction—God can use that experience to help and comfort others. You can directly impact the lives of those who are on similar paths to your own.

And that’s one of the greatest blessings.

Rejoice! (Psalm 5:11-12)

Today's scripture: Psalm 5:11-12

First, I apologize to my early-morning readers ... This was one of those "difficult to get moving" mornings ...

I'm doing a study in the book of James with my small group, and we've been talking quite a bit about joy. It's been a good reminder that joy isn't dependent on our circumstances. We can find joy (the fruit of the Spirit joy) no matter what's going on because true joy is a state of the heart.

We can be joyful in the storm because we know Who is holding us. We can be joyful in the pain because we serve the Great Physician, Jehovah-Rapha. We can be joyful when everyone around us seems determined to steal our joy because we trust in the God who is our shield.

Life isn't always easy ... and yes, that's an understatement. However, we can still find joy in the confidence that our God wins the war. One day, we will be with Him in heaven where there will be no pain or tears. We will spend eternity in the arms of our Abba, our Daddy. We will rejoice and praise  Him forever.

We are abundantly blessed as followers of Christ. We are forgiven. We are given grace and mercy. We are loved beyond our comprehension. We are given strength to do as He wills.

Because we know the God of creation and have personal relationships with Him, we can, indeed, rejoice.

Take a moment to thank God for His blessings. Ask Him to help you find the joy regardless of the circumstance ... and then rejoice!

Cast Down and Disquieted (Psalm 43:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 43:5

Well, yesterday was one of those "cast down" and "disquieted" days. A bad flare-up kept me flat on my back most of the day. I have to admit: I don't like those days very much. (Oh ... you can't read sarcasm, can you ...?)

To "add insult to injury," Saturday was a great day as I lead worship at a conference and was inspired by godly women. I had felt a renewed desire to spend more time with the Lord and strengthen my faith.

I guess I shouldn't be very surprised that yesterday ended up to be such a lousy day. It often seems like just when we who follow Christ reach a new level of faith, the enemy of our souls attacks. I know he's not omnipotent or omnipresent like our Lord is, but he has been given a certain amount of power, and I imagine he sends his demons out to cause havoc whenever possible.

So, maybe yesterday was an attack when I was feeling a spiritual high. Or maybe it was just a result of a more stressful week than usual.

In either case, I knew I had a choice to make. I could wallow in the pain ... or I could continue to trust God's care of me. I could find hope and peace and, yes, joy in the pain. I chose to trust Him.

I chose—and I choose—to put my faith in Him, knowing that He will help me through those not-so-good days. I choose to praise Him.

Even on days like yesterday.

Uphold My Steps (Psalm 17:4-5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 17:4-5

We all have them ... those mornings when we just want to burrow under the covers and hibernate for the day. You know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?

When I face those morning—knowing full well I can't just stay in bed—I often plead, "Lord Jesus, would You please hold my hand more tightly this morning?" Then I read words like verse 5 of today's scripture: "Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip."

Our Savior, our Shepherd, walks alongside us every day. Every moment. He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5). We're never alone. Not only will the Lord "uphold [our] steps," but He will also carry us when we can't even take a step: "Care for [us]; carry [us] like a good shepherd" (MSG, Psalm 28:9).

I don't know about you, but these words bring me hope. If it weren't for the promise of the Lord's constant presence, I wouldn't want to get up each morning. If it weren't for the promise of His carrying me, I wouldn't be able to get up each morning.

You're not alone. When you can't seem to pull yourself out of bed, when you can't take a step, call out to your Lord and Savior. Cry out to Him and ask Him to hold your hand more tightly ... today and every day.

Hope for the Afflicted (Psalm 9:18)

Today's scripture: Psalm 9:18

I’m not needy in the sense I have little or no material possessions. I’m blessed with shelter and food and clothing—those things the Lord promises to provide for His children. I’m not afflicted in the sense that enemies are on my doorstep day and night. I’m equally blessed to live in a nation where I can worship freely and live in freedom.

But I am needy. I need grace. I need strength. I need God to hold me up and sometimes even carry me.

And I am afflicted. I’ve often written about some chronic health problems I deal with. There are days when I honestly struggle to get out of bed. Just lately, I’ve had more of those days than not.

Yet, I have hope. I know I’m not forgotten. I know my Abba wraps His arms of love around me. I know He has a purpose even for my pain.

What do you need today? How are you afflicted? Do you feel forgotten? Are you without hope?

If you’re a child of God, if you’ve accepted the free gift of salvation through His Son, you are not forgotten. You are not without hope. Lay all your burdens at the foot of God’s throne. Trust that He really will work all things out for good. And one day, when you stand before that throne, you can be confident you’ll never need, never hurt, never cry—ever again.

The Very Memory (Psalm 9:4-6)

Today's scripture: Psalm 9:4-6

I don’t know if David meant them to be, but these verses are quite prophetic. If you read about the nations that fought against Israel in David’s time, you’ll see that many of them don’t exist any longer.

I read these verses, and they become quite personal. I encourage you to read them the same way.

I’ve had “enemies.” I’ve faced the “wicked.” I’ve been attacked and abused. Even though I may not have seen it at the time, God always “maintained my just cause.” He always had my back, as they say. And although my own enemies may not have been destroyed, God has been gracious and has taken away the “very memory.” Or should I say, He’s taken away the power of those memories.

God continues to sit on His throne “judging righteously,” and I’m confident that one day anyone who hurt me, who hurt you, will be judged.

In the meantime, let God take the “very memory” of your own enemies from your heart and mind. Let Him remove the anger or unforgiveness you feel and replace it with His peace, His joy.