Rock of Ages, Cleft for me

Recently, while praying over a friend and thinking deeply about all they’re walking through, this old devo came to mind. I pray it encourages you today. He is our Rock of Ages. – Becky

Audio of devo

I called on Your name, O Lord, Out of the lowest pit. You have heard my voice…

O Lord, You have seen my oppression.

Great is Thy faithfulness.

Who is among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God.

Lamentations 3 selected verses NASB   Isaiah 50:10 AMP

Jeremiah, the prophet, begins this section of Scripture by “crying out from the lowest pit” and ends by boldly declaring, “Great is Your faithfulness.” He said this, when as yet, his circumstances remained lowest-pitish. If we step back further into this book of lamenting, we see that he came near to the brink of hopelessness – often. So how did Jeremiah go from despair, to declaring God’s faithfulness? Did he watch a master-class on living an overcoming life?  No, this real-life man, known as the weeping prophet had a relationship with the One True God and had learned to lean into that relationship, to trust the Lord God, in spite of all that was wrong and difficult and heavy in his life. His circumstances did not dictate his faith or view of God.

Let’s be real.  Sometimes circumstances don’t change. Sometimes our “lowest pit” remains. The truth is, there will be seasons of no “shining splendor” in our hearts, but instead, darkness and deep trouble. Even for those who “reverently fear the Lord and obey His voice.” Our “lowest pits” may be canyon-deep crises that threaten to send us over an emotional cliff, like an unfaithful spouse or a rebellious teenager, an unexpected illness or the death of someone we love. A pit may be the day-to-day challenges of life that come like a steady and sustained drip of difficulty, wrapped in the form of a dead-end job, disappointment with life or struggling to make ends meet. If you’re breathing, I know you have a lowest-pit of your own that’s coming to mind.

It’s one thing to trust God for a particular outcome, but another thing all together, when we learn to trust Him no matter the outcome. Period.

To simply trust Him.

You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings.  

01/04 Streams in the Desert

The Lord has literally kneaded these truths into my heart, maybe He’s done the same for you. Through the death of two of my children. Through the, not-enough-money–for-the-month life as a teenage mom, to heart wrenching betrayal. And even the ache of regret from my own past mistakes.  I have found that though the difficulties were seldom removed, when I leaned into God, He provided the ability to stand. To walk through. And I came out with this truth on my lips – Great is His faithfulness. Lean hard into that truth dear one, He will not fail you.

Father, I.  Trust. You. it’s so much easier to say the words than to walk it out, Lord. Help me trust You in spite of the pain, and in the midst of all that appears wrong… with disappointments, with crises that overwhelm or monotony or the fear of what if… I choose to lean hard into You, Father. You are worthy of my trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen

 Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a *FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life. *(Along with other free products).

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Salsa and Life

“Lord, do You not care…?” Luke 10:40 ESV (38-42 for entire story)

Homemade Salsa

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”  Job 13:15 NKJV

This year, our daughter’s small backyard garden produced a bumper tomato crop, so with great anticipation, we set aside an entire day for me to show her the finer points of canning homemade salsa.  As we washed, diced and jarred the tomatoes, onions and peppers, we talked about life and family and our world. In the midst of it all, she asked one or two heavy questions that still linger in my thoughts. Before I share the questions, allow me to give you part of the short answer I gave her. “I don’t know. But I know we can trust Him.”

With obvious emotion she asked, “Mom, why did God allow a woman with several young children to die of cancer?” The heartfelt question that came amid the dicing of tomatoes and jalapenos, demanded more than a memorized theological answer. Keeping my hands busy with the task of canning, I thought/prayed how to answer her question. Even as I was secretly thankful she intuitively understood the larger issue of God’s control over all circumstances. Even tragedy.

Have such questions ever lodged in your heart? Have you ever thought deeply about why a divorce or why singleness? Why an addiction or why a betrayal? Why financial ruin or a broken relationship? Why the death of a child or the death of a hoped-for dream? Pain begs for an answer.

In today’s verses, we see two contrasting examples of facing the inevitable pain of real life. When Martha was confronted with the minor irritation of no help in the kitchen, she spoke almost harshly to the Lord Jesus, when she asked, “Lord, don’t You care?” By contrast, we read of Job, who has just been given the news that everything he owns has been stolen by an invading army, and all his servants killed. As this news hits his ears and before there’s time to digest the reality, another servant shows up to tell him the devastating news that all his children have perished in a freak accident. (Read Job 1 and 2). Job’s first response is to worship God. He knew he dare not give priority to his emotions; he spoke out what he knew to be true rather than allow his emotions to do the leading. A couple of chapters and several more trials later, we hear Job say, *“Though the Lord slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

Perhaps Martha was too self-focused as she rushed and hurried and grumbled… Whatever the reason, she snapped at the Lord Himself and accused Him of not caring.

Though Job didn’t understand the why of his horrific pain, he knew his God and he knew His character. So even in the midst of such guttural ache … he trusted.

Back to my daughter’s heartbreaking question – I could have offered to bullet-point Bible verses that academically explain God’s sovereign control over all things, or sin’s impact on our broken world, or God’s ability to bring good out of even the vilest circumstance, etc. But I did none of those. Now wasn’t the time. I admitted to her that I did not know the why of such tragedy, but I did know that we could trust God with it. Reminding her of the story that she’s heard repeated since childhood. Of her own brother and sister who died as babies, and how such tragedy taught me (still teaches me) to trust my Father God even when, (especially when), I don’t understand.

The best answer to a hurting heart is simply, “I am so sorry for your pain.”

Becky White

The truth is we may never know the why of a particular trauma this side of eternity. It’s enough to know our God is good and faithful and He can be trusted. Even with, and in, our pain. If He gave the life of His Son for us, surely we can trust Him when we don’t understand.

Father, I know You are good, and You are faithful, but there are times when life’s pain blinds us of that truth. Please enable us to rest in You as we walk through tragedy, or as we walk with others in their pain. We choose to trust You even when we don’t understand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I lay my “whys” before Your cross in worship kneeling, my mind too numb for thought, my heart beyond all feeling: And worshipping, I realize that I in knowing You don’t need a “why”.

– Ruth Bell Graham

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

*Some may say that God did not cause Job’s pain, but surely, we must agree that his trial came as a direct result of God’s permission.

Mr. (or Miss) Atlas?

The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 NKJV

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.  Psalm 55:22a

Recently, while driving to work and mentally preparing for the day ahead, I began talking to the Lord about specific challenges confronting those I love. Ranging from minor irritations to gut wrenching trials, I poured my heart out to Him.

Throughout the conversation, I admitted that I was at a loss about how/what to pray for many of the issues, but I knew that He was faithful to do what was the very best and to do what must be done. Reminding Him (and myself) of His Word that says we don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit will intercede for us. Though nothing outwardly had changed, I felt His peace as I laid my life’s load into His strong, omnipotent hands. (Not to worry, tomorrow will have brand new challenges to pray about!)

During the process of unburdening my heart, as I drove through the thick morning traffic, a memory of decades past washed over me. A memory of what felt like the weight of the world and the lie I had believed concerning prayer.  Promise not to laugh and I’ll share it with you.

There was a time when I felt that the whole outcome of whatever and whoever I was praying for, depended on me. On my prayers. On me knowing the exact words to say.  As if everything would fall apart if I dropped the prayer ball for a moment of time. Not only is that a lie, it’s exhausting. And I hate to admit, it’s prideful. And it’s anything but trusting in God.

Have you ever believed that lie?

Like Mr. Atlas, pictured bent over with the weight of the world in his hands. We can feel as if all the weight of prayers’ answers are in our hands. How we pray. What we pray. How long we pray. How often we pray. Our faith or lack of… As I said, exhausting.

The truth is, everything depends on Him, not me. Not you. Whew! Yes, we are to pray and keep on praying. Believe and keep on believing. Yes, we are to call to Him and He will answer. We are to ask specifically and with thankfulness. And then walk away, as we trust His will and His ways. Always with a willingness to defer to His will and whatever outcome will bring Him the most glory.

Prayer is weakness, leaning on omnipotence.

– W.S. Boyd

As promised, a new day has brought new challenges, but His faithfulness remains.  He who formed the ear, does He not hear, and He who formed the eye, does He not see? Yes. On all counts. Let’s choose to rest in His ability to hold the world and all our problems in His hands.  Whew, we can stand now! 😉

My Father and my God, I laugh at the absurdity of thinking I can carry the weight of my problems, let alone the world’s! Please grant me wisdom for how and what to pray and the peace of knowing You take my feeble attempts and turn them to answers that are beyond my imagination. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Notes from Psalm 91:1

Just a few thoughts as I do a line by line study of Psalm 91.

Now that you’ve read mine, try prayerfully reading the verse for yourself and allowing the Holy Spirit to probe your heart, then write out your own thoughts. You won’t be disappointed.

In His service,

Becky White

Ugly Packages

Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:23 NASB 1977

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. Psalm 31:12 BSB

My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. Job 19:14

Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the sentence of death [and were convinced that we would die, but this happened] so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 AMP

When the kids were growing up, I found unique ways to stretch a dollar or make little look like a lot. At Christmas-time, I would often wrap small trinket-gifts with elaborate ribbons and bows. While the outside looked lavish and inviting, inside might be crayons or a dollar-store coloring book or even a new toothbrush. With great enthusiasm and grand expectations, they tore into the packages. Thankfully, the kiddos were grateful for the small gift inside, but it wasn’t exactly what they’d hoped for.

In our relationship with the Lord, the reverse is often true. Ugly packages of cancer or divorce or bitter disappointment or unemployment or imprisonment show up on our doorstep. Packages that are anything but lavish or inviting or hoped for. And not a pretty bow to be found. Truthfully, most of us throw them out without ever opening them. Casting them off with a demanding prayer or worse, in bitter resentment and doubting God’s concern for His children. No condemnation here, I’ve been there myself a time or two or ten.

And yet…  when the packages are opened, they are often the very “gift” that the Lord uses to lead us to Himself or draw us closer to Him. Many reading this can testify that an ugly gift, wrapped in pain and hurt, led them to seek the Lord for salvation (that’s my own story). Or to a deeper level of trust in the Sovereign One as they cried out in an honest, “Why Lord?” yet clinging to the promise of His faithfulness in spite of the pain.

I don’t know what package has landed on the doorstep of your life. Whether wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bows or the ugly brown paper of pain or regret or disease (the list of possibilities are endless). But this I do know, He is aware. He cares. He sits as King over our lives. And He is more than able to use all that shows up in our lives for our good and His glory. Go ahead, open the package, give thanks in all things, and then watch what He can, and will do for you. He is the giver of all good gifts.

Sometimes God wraps His glory in hard circumstances or ugly obstacles or painful difficulties, and it just never occurs to us that within those life-shaking events is a blessing in disguise. – Anne Graham Lotz

Father, I admit that when ugly gifts of pain or heartache show up at my door, my first reaction is to throw it away. Flinging with all my might. Refusing to look deeper at what You may be up to, through such ugly gifts. Enable me to focus on You and trust that You will use even this for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

A Christ-centered approach to hardship told through the autobiographical story of Becky White. Included are life application lessons as well as devotions geared for those walking through difficult days. *Contains strong language.

Book Review: This book tells of a woman’s journey that is so close to the journey my own mother took. I love how she turned to God in every situation, it was a tough life but she realized without God nothing would change, her bravery was astounding. love love loved this book and will be ordering another copy to give to a friend in a couple of weeks. (Used with permission)
by Patricia L. Chapman

Real Questions

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 

Judges 6:13 NKJV

If you’re not familiar with the Old Testament story of the life of Gideon, or it’s been a while, grab your sweet tea, relax and prepare for real-life, real-world questions. When you have 10 minutes read all of Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and 7.  It’s astounding.

We first meet Gideon in the middle of his work day, as he’s “beating wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” Needless to say, a winepress is not where one usually threshes wheat! He’s had to alter his normal way of life and normal way of earning a living to accommodate the presence of his enemies. He’s also had to face the overwhelming fear that’s gripped him in the process. And then, smack in the middle of his routine and difficulty, the Angel of the Lord shows up and speaks to him. Reminding him that the Lord is with him.

His first response to the heavenly interruption is stunningly authentic and real-world. Gideon asks the questions each of us have wrestled with at some point in life.  Questions that so permeated his thoughts that as an angel stood in his very presence, rather than fall to the ground in shock, he blurted out loud what was loudest in his thinking.  “Why?”

“If the Lord really is with us…with me… why then has all this difficulty happened to us? Where are all His miracles I have heard about?”  Can you hear the accusation or possibly anger dripping from his line of questioning? Can you hear the disappointment mingled with despair in his tone as he wrongly assumes that his current trials mean God has abandoned him? Or his assumption that lack of trials is a sign of God’s presence.

“If God is with us then why?… Why our child’s death? Why divorce? Why a challenging childhood, why a still-born child? Why abuse or neglect or unemployment or a wayward child… or no child? Why a broken relationship or a painful, lonely relationship …I could go on…

I don’t know why, I wish I did. I wish I could hand you the answer to the “why” of your circumstance – I can’t. But what I can assure you of is this – according to God’s word, trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine. The Psalmist reminds us, “He is near the brokenhearted.” We are assured of His presence with us, whether or not He miraculously delivers from our trials or walks us through them – either way, He is with us.  He is with you. He will not forsake you. Share your heart and questions with the Sovereign One… and then rest in Him.

Now grab your glass of sweet tea and open your Bible to Judges 6, see what He will speak to your heart dear one.

Trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine.

Becky White

Father, I am so thankful for Your abiding presence, Your great faithfulness and Your peace. As I walk through the inevitable challenges of life, enable me to be more aware of Your Presence and find my rest in You…not in anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

When the Extraordinary becomes Ordinary

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Berean Study Bible   Psalm 55:22 NASB

Because He cares for you.…

Familiarity breeds contempt. The extraordinary becoming ordinary. In the era of social media, the Truth of Scripture can be lost on us as we scroll past another artfully crafted meme with a feel-good phrase. Even when that phrase is God’s Word.

That nearly happened to me recently as I read my “verse for the day” pocket calendar and quickly recognized this often-quoted and meme enhanced Scripture. Mindlessly thinking, “Oh, I know that verse…” yawn… (I’m being totally authentic with you here.) But this time, as I read the verse, the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks as the words Because He cares for you leapt off the page and washed over my heart.  I read and reread those words… Holding them up to take in each facet of meaning.

He could have ended the prayer directive with, “because I said so.”  … He is God, afterall. But He didn’t.

It struck me so strongly and so emotionally. What a tender phrase added to the instruction of casting all our anxieties on Him.

On Him to carry.

On Him to handle.

On Him to work out the myriad of beyond-our-ability-details.

Yet He wasn’t just academically providing direction on what we ought to do with a religious, legalistic pattern to follow.  He wants us to know the why… Because He cares for us. Such love and tender compassion embodied in that phrase. The Amplified Bible reads, He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His.

Becky white

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His. He longs for us to bring our every need, our every concern, our every question, our every fear, our every what-if and even our every “why?” and cast them onto the One who cares for us.

Oh Father, It is face-to-the-floor astounding how You tenderly care for what concerns my heart. I lay my anxieties and burdens in Your strong hands and rest in Your sovereign care and control over all that grazes my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Help!

(Rise Up, O God!)

The following is a devotion (though it reads more like a desperate prayer) written almost two decades ago. The ache is palatable. The desperation evident. The emotion raw. The faith, shaky but resolute.

Much has happened over the weeks and months and years since the devo was originally penned. The Lord did indeed arise mightily on my behalf, not to remove my challenges, but to walk me through them. And I know He will do the same for you. For the person you’re praying for. For that hopeless situation you’re facing. Whatever your circumstance, whatever trial may be staring you in the face, rest under the shadow of the Almighty. He will not fail you.

Let me encourage you today, no matter what you’re facing, He sees you, He is aware. He has not dropped the ball. In the mean time, as you wait, lean hard into Him. A great place to start is reading/rereading and meditating on Psalm 91.

Rise Up O, God!

I am exceedingly afflicted… PSALM 119: 107a

Your God has commanded your strength; Show Thyself strong, O God, who has acted on my behalf.   PSALM 69:28 NASB

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,

Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.

 PSALM 5:12 NASB

“Oh, no! Here she comes again.” That’s what I hoped the assistant pastor was not thinking as I approached him, yet again, for prayer this past Sunday morning. Apologetically, I whispered, “I’m sorry to come up so often…” Before I could finish the thought the pastor waved his hand and assured me it was fine. He graciously listened as I shared my story in all its’ no-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel monotonous torture. After listening to me unburden my heart, rather than offering me his human solution to my problem, he wisely laid it all at the Savior’s feet through prayer. Honest, “This really stinks but You have the answer, God “ kind of praying.

Later that evening, I tried to recall the words spoken over me in prayer along with the message given during the worship service. An overwhelming desperation for God to show Himself – to move on my behalf stirred in my soul. I grabbed my prayer journal and poured out my heart to God with the following written prayer:

Father, Help! I call on You, Almighty God, Sovereign Ruler of all, King of the universe. You Who are enthroned on high. I know You are full of compassion and abound in mercy. Your judgments are righteous and true, Your ways are beyond my comprehension. I call on You to remember Your Word to Your servant, Becky (insert your name here).

You said You would perfect that which concerns me. You would deliver the one for whom I intercede, You told me to remember that this was not my battle to fight, but Yours O God. Yours. You said for me to call on You in my times of trouble and You would answer, promising to deliver me from the oppressor. You said that no weapon formed against me would prosper. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord – and I am Your servant.

O God, my Father, You Who cannot lie, please intervene on my behalf. Deliver me, deliver my children, deliver my family. Rise up, O God! Rise up! Come to my aid! Rescue me by Your strong arm. Be Thou a shield unto me, O Lord. May Your favor be my shield of protection. I praise You, Lord! For my deliverance is as sure as the setting sun. You are worthy of praise, O God, my Father. Worthy of my praise!

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen and amen.

The sovereignty of God is the pillow on which I lay my head.  – C.H. Spurgeon

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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    When the Sea Doesn’t Part

    [Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land…

    Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].

    Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith].

    And all of these…won divine approval by [means of] their faith…

    Hebrews 11:29a-30, 36-37,39a AMPC

    Sometimes, our faith in the Lord and His Word parts the Red Sea of impossible situations. Sometimes our faith in Him causes the Stone Wall of adversity to crumble at our feet. Talk about mountain-top, arms lifted in praise and worship outcomes! I like that kind of faith outcome, don’t you? And if I’m honest, that’s what I expect as an outcome of faith. Isn’t that the point of faith? To change our circumstances? Maybe.

    Recently, while reading the New Testament book of Hebrews, I stopped in my mental tracks as I read and reread chapter eleven.  My eyes lingered on the almost too-familiar verses in this “hall of fame” chapter on Biblical faith giants. I could almost hear the STOP, and REWIND sound effects in my mind as my fingers traced the words. Tucked into this list of faith-walkers were others, whose faith outcome included words like “suffer” and “trials” and “imprisonment.” Holding those verses up to the light and talking to the Author of those words, I asked how this could be. Is it possible that authentic, Biblical faith can produce such an outcome?

    Yes. It seems that sometimes, faith in God and His Word don’t necessarily lead to miraculous intervention. But instead to an ever-deepening trust (faith) in Him, regardless of the outcome. A level of trust that looks the vilest circumstance directly in the eye and still says, “Lord, I trust You. I have no idea how this will end, but I know You are faithful and worthy of my trust. You have promised to cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.”  

    Over the years, I have faced seas that did not part, and walls that did not miraculously come down. I bet you have too. Yet, it was during those bitter-sweet times that I experienced the presence of God unlike any other. Rather than my circumstances changing, He chose to change me, and draw me into a closer relationship with Him out of sheer necessity. Have you found that true in your life?

    It’s in those dark moments that we have a choice to make – will we hold Him tight, even as the tears fall, and choose to trust Him? The famed preacher, C.H. Spurgeon once said, “To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.” Is there is a circumstance casting a shadow of darkness over you, or someone you love? Even if through tears, will you choose to trust Him? Whatever the outcome? No matter what it looks like, He has a plan and purpose for all He allows to graze your life.

    To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.

    C.H. Spurgeon

    Father, though my heart longs for a miracle, I love You more than any desired outcome. Help me rest in Your faithful goodness, even as I continue to pray in simple faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

    Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

    You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

    “Where is this God of Yours?”

    Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?”

    Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! … Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—

    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God.

    Psalm 42:3, 5a,c NLT   Psalm 42:11 ESV

    Recently, while at a funeral – My eyes scanned the small, crowded room, filled with photos and flowers and chatter. And crying. The tears were mingled whispers of “Why?” and “Before his time.” We took our seats and prepared to listen with the soberness required in such settings, my heart breaking for the hurting family around me.  

    Real pain. Real tragedy.

    Depression and pain and sadness are all around us. Added to this layer of heart ache, the enemy often whispers in our ear, “Where is this God of yours?” Just as in Psalm 42, listed above. The trial in front of you may not be literal death, maybe it’s the death of a relationship or the death of a longed-for outcome or death of your health or the devastating death of hope itself. Sinking you to the depths of despair. The enemy hopes to push us to despair, and in the end, hopelessness. 

    Though you’d hate for others to know, do you relate to the Psalmist when he says, “My tears have been my food day and night”? Is the emotional ache buried deep, rearing its head only when life gets still, so you try to stay busy or distracted? Have the enemy’s taunts of, “Where is this God of yours?” invaded your thoughts?

    I’ve been there. If we’re honest, most of us have a time or two. And just like the Psalmist, I talk to myself (Hey, no laughing!); I speak the truth to myself. I ask myself questions. I encourage myself with His Word. And in the end, I remind myself to hope in God. Not in hoped-for outcomes or good health or pleasant circumstances (as if those can be relied upon!). Hope. In. God. Read aloud His word, and talk to yourself. Why not start with all of Psalm 42? It’s not that long. Take in each word. In the end, you will find He is faithful, not to always remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them.   

    Where’s God? Beside me. In front of me. Behind me. Inside me. He has laid His hand upon me. I am never alone. And neither are you. (See Psalm 139 and John 14).

    In the end, you will find He is faithful, not to always remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them.   

    One last take-away. Look around. Ask questions. Listen to the pain stories of those around you. And take the risk of being real about your own struggles. Let’s direct each other to the only real hope there is – Jesus Christ Himself.

    Father God, I ask that You would push away hopelessness and despair, replacing it with the Truth that You promised never to leave or forsake us. We are never alone. Never without hope. You are at work, no matter what our eyes see. We love You, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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