Devotions for Difficult Days

Why Are You Cast Down?

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11

Why am I cast down? (Some translations read, depressed or disturbed, while in the original Hebrew the words carry the meaning of being bowed or crouched down.) If you’ve ever felt the weight of your very soul being crouched down and bent over in despair you can relate to the pain embedded in these words. In fact, I bet you can literally feel his words. Notice with me that the Psalmist is asking his own soul this penetrating question. “Why? Why are you in despair?”

It’s important that we probe our own soul with such questions. Asking, is this just a nebulous feeling of depression that’s always running in the background of our mind? The enemy loves to play that trick on us. Never really knowing the why of our ache, means we can’t find the answer to our ache. Others of us know exactly why we feel disquieted and cast down. Life has hit us between the eyes with a heartbreak or some cavernous regret or betrayal, or an unexpected loss or grief. We can quickly put our finger on the why.

He then goes on to tell his soul what to do. “Hope in God.” Which makes me think that he recognized his hope was in something or someone other than God. Oh my… Have I been there! Hoping in the perfect circumstance or a specific outcome or even a person (including ourselves!). Nothing and no one, deserves our trust or should be the foundation for our hope, other than God Himself. When hope accidently edges toward a hoped-for outcome or a person, etc., depression or emotional ache or despair will inevitably result.

The Psalmist ends by reminding himself that the future is brighter than his soul is feeling. “I shall yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that this moment is not the totality of our life. This season or this trial or this feeling. We have a future and a hope found in the God we serve. In fact, that hope extends beyond this temporal life, into eternity. I don’t know about you, but that is so encouraging to me, because some of the issues that pain my heart, may never change. And because of that, I need hope that goes beyond a temporary band aid of let’s-all-hold-hands-and-think-positive-thoughts as we sing Kumbaya. I need real hope. And so do you.

So, let’s ask ourselves the tough questions. Why am I cast down? And what/who have I placed my hope in? Then remind your self that there is a brighter future than you’re feeling right now. No matter your circumstances. Trust in Him. He will not fail you.

Suffering will push you into the arms of God.

– Joni Eareckson Tada

Father God, Help me slow down long enough to ask my soul these questions. Questions that You already know the answer to and have already made provision for. Would You give me the ability to hope in You even if and even when a situation feels as if all hope is lost, I will hope in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Audio Only – Comforting Others

Using our pain for His glory

1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Though it’s totally unscripted and not at all polished, I pray you hear real life thoughts on God’s Word and how to authentically apply it to our lives.

In His service, Becky White

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Bowed Down by the Load of Life

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.

The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

Psalm 146:7-8 NIV Psalm 146:8b NLT Psalm 145:14 NLT

The first thing I notice in these verses is that it is THE LORD who does the work. He is the One active on our behalf. The Lord sets free. The Lord opens blind eyes and The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. Verse 8 wraps it up with this beautiful sidenote – the Lord loves the righteous. (Of course, the only righteous ones are those who are cloaked in the righteousness of Christ.)

Though you may, or may not be, behind the steel bars of a physical cell, each of us can be prisoners of our past, or regret, or addiction or bitterness, or loneliness.

While we may not be physically blind, are there not moments (or years?) when we are blinded by grief or unforgiveness or emotional ache, or blinded to our own need for the Savior?

And who among us has not been, at some point, bowed down by the trials of life? Or as one translation puts it, “weighed down” beneath the load of real life? This is the snippet that caught my attention as I read and reread it this morning. In my mind’s eye, imagining a heavy load, literally bowing the back of a person struggling to simply put one foot in front of the other. And it is to you I want to speak.

Probably because I have walked many miles with heavy loads, I am most drawn to those bowed down by the weight of life. Some loads I have needlessly put on my own back; other loads have been placed there by someone else’s choices. Regardless of how the load came to be, the answer is the same. I must. You must. Look to the Lord God to enable us to *carry it. He Himself will bear the weight, as we walk in trusting obedience to Him. Not that He will remove the burdens of life, but that He Himself will carry us… and our burdens. Lifting the weight of it from our tired shoulders. Because He loves us. Simply astounding.

The sweetest prayers God ever hears are the groans and sighs of those who have no hope in anything but his love.” – Charles Spurgeon

Father, I confess there are times when the weight of the load of life seems more than I can bear. It’s then that You remind me that, apart from You, it is more than I can bear. Cause me to quickly release the weight and rest in Your sovereign care. Come what may. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

*There are some weights that He intends us to throw off, rather than carry. We need to seek His wisdom, through His Word and prayer, to know the difference.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

“Upholds”

סוֹמֵ֣ךְ (sō·w·mêḵ) Verb Strong’s 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of

Sausage Scenarios

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. (Bear with me on the analogy!) A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitely don’t want to watch the creation process! Just trust that the maker knows what He’s doing as you wait for the end result.

But if you’re anything like me, when I’m faced with difficulties, I often make the mistake of “watching the process” a bit too close. I notice all the ingredients, all the prep work, all the grinding, and the pressing into the casing sleeve…and then the heat of the fire… And I begin to lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

Recently, as my mind lingered long on a particular sausage-making trial, I said a quick prayer of, “O Father…You know what they need, please help.” Looking down, my eye caught a worn and stained post-it note taped to my desk with these words, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” And “Do not grow weary in doing good…”

O, Father! How I needed to be reminded of that Truth! Help me trust You and not give up.

That little post-it note Scripture enabled me to snap back to a Christ-centered, God-is-bigger-than anything-we-face reality. A reality that doesn’t ignore life’s trials but rather, puts them in perspective. The truth is, we all have trials to walk through, but if we stare too long at the “process”, we will lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

What is your sausage scenario? Have you stared long at…

Your pain

Your health

Your loneliness

Your children, or your lack of children

Your spouse, or your lack of a spouse

Your career challenges

Your disappointment

Your list of what if’s

Your Prodigals

Your loss

Your grief…?

It’s okay. Admit it. But don’t stay there. Look up from your sausage-trial and back to your God. Ask Him to help you refocus, to snap back to a Christ-centered reality rather than staring at your sausage scenario. He is at work. He is faithful. His Word is true.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”
Corrie ten Boom

Father, Please help me to refocus onto You rather than the impossibility in front of me. Even as I do all I can – praying and serving, enable me to rest and trust You and Your word more than what I see and feel. Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

The Flames of Anxiety

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.… Philippians 4:6-7 Berean Standard Bible

The distressing phone call came at such an inconvenient time. (Is there ever a good time for a crisis?). In the middle of an already challenging workday, the unwelcome news added a heavy layer to her heart. Creating a tangible struggle to maintain peace in the midst of it all. Her mind raced as she felt the anxiety level growing, until the “waters” of anxious thoughts seemed to reach her very nostrils. As if from the old days of routinely-practiced elementary school fire drills, she knew exactly what to do. She’d been here before. She’d worked through the steps many times. So, talking to the Lord, she reminded herself of His Word, and began quietly playing worship music and continued on with her work day.

To her frustration, the anxious feelings and racing heart didn’t budge so easily. Not this time. Instead, she had to walk through the fire of “what if,” as the flames licked her heals. She had to trust that God’s Word was, and is, true and that the flames of anxiety would not scorch her in the process.

Focusing her heart and mind on the Lord and His promises, in spite of her body’s physical reaction, felt a near impossibility. Eventually, taking pen to paper and quickly writing out her thoughts in the form of a prayer to the Lord, though the crisis remained, her mental and spiritual equilibrium returned. And with that, the hand-to-hand combat was over. For the moment. His Word, wielded through the sword of memorized scripture, had prevailed. Some enemies don’t fall easily do they? But fall they will as we learn to be persistent and stand on the Truth.

As the Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, though we walk through the fire, we will not be burned, He will be with us in the floods and in the flames. It is enough to know He is with us and that He controls the heat. There will be times when we must simply take God’s hand and walk through things. Not over or around, but through. And make the choice to trust God in spite of all we see, in spite of the pain or uncertainty embedded in our trial.

God does not promise to deliver us from our circumstances, but to be with us in the midst of them.

– Anne Graham Lotz

It’s my prayer, that even as the flames (of whatever sort) lick your heals, you will trust that He is with you in the fire and is sovereign over the heat. Now, let’s pick up our swords and wield them by the power of His Holy Spirit who lives within us!

My Father, How grateful I am for Your presence, with me, in these flames of difficulty. I choose to rest in You and lean hard on the truth of Your Word, as I speak it out loud to my spirit, You have promised that when I submit to You, resist, the devil, he will flee. Amen! In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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Black Saturday

Below is a link to a short video from the Eyewitness Bible series regarding the Saturday after Jesus was crucified. It brings to life what we’ve read in the pages of our Bibles.

God’s blessings on you as we contemplate what the Lord Jesus Christ endured on our behalf.

“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

https://media.reallifenetwork.com/watch/channel/6467b9ba3049ed359ff2f2bc/series/140-kwtk7svyoxea-eyewitness-bible-easter/episode/140-acxyt5xhgpzl-eyewitness-bible-easter-ep7-black-saturday-the-last-day

And,

https://media.reallifenetwork.com/watch/channel/WATCH-EASTER-SPECIALS/series/140-6vfg1udhntag-real-life-network-presents-passion-week/episode/140-jcqsq9u9fv8j-passion-week-pastor-jack-hibbs

Directions

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

While the following true story is now a distant memory for me, its probing question is just as valid. Will I trust God and His Word more than my own insight and understanding? Will I allow my “feelings” or “felt experiences” to trump God’s inerrant Word (the Bible)?

Will you?

Not being very familiar with the freeway and how to navigate from one part of our city to the other, I asked my husband for directions on how to get from a friend’s home to our church. Hanging up the phone and assured that I understood his directions, I confidently merged onto the freeway. However, it only took a few moments before my heart began racing as I thought, “This doesn’t look right, I think I’m going the wrong way!” Quickly and with a bit of panic, I tried to recall his exact words. I was sure I heard him right, my question now became, did he speak correctly!? I reminded myself that if I needed to, I could just turn around (which I definitely considered!). But, knowing that my husband is literally a living, breathing GPS, I trusted that although I appeared to be going in the wrong direction, he knew what he was talking about. I could trust his directions, even when it appeared wrong. Minutes later, I could see the outline of familiar buildings and knew I was headed in the right direction. Whew!

There will be times when we must make the same, step-out-in-faith, choice to trust the Lord and the Truth of His Word, even though our senses are screaming otherwise. (Reminder, His instructions will never contradict His written Word). He who declares the end from the beginning, is the same One who Has promised to lead us and guide us with His eye upon us. Sitting enthroned above all, His perspective is without flaw.

Let’s trust Him, take Him at His word and relax in His everlasting arms. He will guide us safely to the destination He has chosen for us. We can trust His “directions.”

God’s Word is truer than anything you think, feel or see. – Linda Dillow

My Lord Jesus, enable me to not only listen for Your still-small-voice-directions, but also to trust what I hear! As I read Your Word and listen to Your Spirit, grant me the ability to trust You rather than my fickle feelings or human reasoning. You are worthy of my trust. I love You Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

If you have never acknowledged that you are lost in your sins, now is the time. Today is the day. Tell the Lord that you admit you are a sinner and by the power only He can provide, you are willing to turn from them to Him. Accept His offer of payment for your sins and receive Him as your Savior today. He loves you so… If you prayed this prayer, or would like to talk to someone, please click here for more info or call 1-888-Need-Him.

As we near Good Friday…

Take a moment to re-remember what He’s done for us… for you.

Father, we sit (fall on our faces) in awe of Your goodness, mercy, and faithfulness to us. What can we say, but thank You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

https://devotionsfordifficultdays.com/blog/

As We Near Good Friday and Easter…

Though it’s been nearly 21 years, the memory is fresh in my mind. Smugly (though not realizing my own heart of spiritual yucko at the time) I sat back in the theater seat to watch on the big screen the movie The Passion of The Christ, praying those around me would see their need for the Savior. As I type those words, I choke at my own spiritual better-than-you attitude that permeated me.

As I settled into my seat, it was then that I “heard” the Lord speak to my heart… “I don’t want you to think about what I did for them…I want you to think what I have done for you.” So, it was with that unexpected mindset I took in, moment by painful moment, the price my Lord paid for ME. For MY sin.

As the movie came to an end, I sat in stunned silence. Making my way out of the theater, the words of Isaiah the prophet played like a mental loop in my mind…“He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, He bore our shame…” My iniquities. My lying, my lust and my idolatry. My hatred. My shame.

Arriving home, I nearly ran to the kitchen, where I grabbed my Bible that had been lying on the counter and began reading out loud, Isaiah 53. As tears streamed, and in barely a whisper, I choked out the words…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, O that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude…the gift You bought with Your life’s blood I could never repay…

That prayer became the Easter poem you see below. I pray that you reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for YOU. Whether this is your 1st or 50^th Easter as His child…recall again the price He paid, the love He showed and the mercy He has granted. To YOU. To ME. And praise Him!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus …. O that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude…the gift You bought with Your life’s blood I could never repay…
Becky White

My Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…

O, that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude.

The gift You gave bought with Your life’s blood, I could never repay.

Your flesh ripped…

Your face slapped…

Your body pierced…

You willingly suffered such torment,

For me… how can that be?

It was my sin… not Yours,

My guilt and shame… not Yours.

Yet You traded,

Giving me Your righteousness

And taking on Yourself the guilt of my sin.

O, Jesus… Jesus….Jesus

I surrender my life to You as an offering.

A token so small…

For the One Who gave me His all.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

O, that I could express to You

The depth of my gratitude….

My Lord, my God and my King….

easter-my-jesus Download

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Somebody Knows…

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. PSALM 139:2-4 NASB

Are you old enough to remember the ol’ song… “Noooobody knoooows the trouble I’ve seen…” Not exactly a pick-me-upper is it? Worse than being a depressingly, feel-sorry-for-me tune, it’s a lie from the enemy of our soul.

The Bible tells us that the Lord God knows exactly how we feel. In fact, the original Hebrew word used for understand includes the word feel. So we could read the above verse this way, “You feel my thoughts.” Digest that for a moment, beloved. He feels your thoughts. I need a Kleenex just thinking about that truth.

The enemy wants us to sink in the emotional pit of despair and isolation as he whispers the vicious lie, “No one cares about you, no one understands or knows how you feel. You are all alone in this.” Que the violin. He has us right where he wants us. But wait just a minute. Before we nod our heads in agreement and give in to despair – What does God’s Word say? Though we walk through valleys, He promises to walk with us. Though we walk through fires, He promises they will not destroy us. And whatever our pain, He feels it with us.

I wish I could promise that He removes all our difficulties or keeps adversity from ever grazing our life, but we both know that’s not true. What I can promise is this – whatever your circumstance, whatever your pain, you are not alone. Someone does know how you feel. Someone is feeling the pain right along with you. And that Someone is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved, He knows your path. (Job 23:10) He knows your unspoken pain. He is with you every step of the way.

If you’ll let Me, I’ll use your trials to make you into someone I can use in the lives of others to show them that no matter where they’ve been, no matter how deep the hole, no matter how painful the trial, there’s hope.
– Kay Arthur

Father, You know exactly how I feel, even when I can’t articulate my thoughts, You feel them with me. Teach me to rest in the Truth of Your Word, more than my feelings. Thank you, precious Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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