When life is hard

 

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Life can be hard.  We deal with unmet expectations, sickness, tough circumstances, and financial fears.  Changes all around and hearing door close instead of opening can be frustrating.  The cares of life can take a mental toll. Yet, even in the midst of hardship we must stand on the promises of God.  We must combat the enemy with the truth of God.

Truth 1- God is with us wherever we go.  We don't have to be discouraged because with have the Almighty God on our side.  We don't have to be afraid of the unknown because He knows all.

Truth 2-Nothing can separate us from His love. Romans 8: 35-39 reads...Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Truth 3- He is working all things out for our good ( Romans 8:28).  The good and bad is being worked for our good.  He has a plan for our lives and it is good.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Truth 4- Trials have a purpose and in them we learn to trust God.  We can trust that He will provide. James 1; 2-4 says  to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

And Philippians 4:19 declares that "my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Not some but all.

Life is hard, but our God is bigger. We have to lean into that truth and know that He sees us and that He cares. In fact He is interceding on our behalf ( Romans 8:34).  So let us be strong and courageous knowing that our heavenly Father is with us always.

Lord, life can be scary, but we know that You cast out fear.  Let us stand strong knowing that You are by our side.  We trust You to provide for needs both emotional, physical and spiritual. You are our Father and You love us. So let us combat fear and discouragement with the truth of Your word.  Let us look to You.  Forgive us when we falter.  Raise our heads and help us to look up.  In Jesus name we do pray. Amen