3 Promises For Troubled Times

We all encounter trouble in our lives. Difficulties.  Stress and sometimes heartache.  Some have simply chalked this up to “life“…”well, life isn’t fair” they sometimes say.  The fact that we  know life has trouble and difficult days also carries with it a heavy, unseen burden.  We sometimes look around the corner at the next thing, almost anticipating trouble because things are going too smoothly; or that was just “too easy”…

Life is not always fair.  
The disciples of Jesus understood this better than anyone.
They followed Jesus, who would be tortured and executed like a criminal.
After His resurrection and ascension, they continued to follow Jesus, and to do His will on this earth – that led to their imprisonments, tortures and executions.  Life certainly had its troubles for the disciples.

3 Promises For Troubled Times 

1) The Presence Of God:
No matter where we are in life, whether we are currently in a chapter of distress or a chapter of peace, we do have an assurance of the constant presence of God with us.  We truly are never alone when He is near.   God’s Holy presence is with us, and the only times we are alone is when we are not spiritually connected to Him, not the other way round.  He longs for constant fellowship with us.  His promise to Joshua long ago is the same promise to us today:   The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

2) The Protection Of God: 
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Yes, we will face pains and hurts of life in all shapes and sizes, this we will not avoid.
But rest assured, we are not without protection from the arrows of the evil one.  God’s presence with us means that we are protected by Him as well!  Now, as I say this, we read many stories of Christians who are martyred for their faith around the world…does this mean that God’s protection wasn’t with them?  Of course not!  I believe God does protect us from the father of lies so that we are not tempted or lost to God’s will.  We can choose to fall away, but when we walk with Him, the evil one has no claim on us.  Remember too that though evil can befall humanity through acts of violence, the worst it can do is claim our lives which are temporary shells containing an everlasting soul.  The evil one is held back  by the protection of God upon His people, who are called Sons and Daughters – children of God.

3) The Power Of God
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Obviously this verse was written for a specific audience in mind, but it makes it no less true and relevant to us today.  When we are weak – He is strong!  God’s power is readily available to us when we humble ourselves and stop attempting life in our own strength.  God will lift up the fallen.  He will strength the weary…and if you and I are one of those today – we can take comfort in knowing that God’s power is here for us.

You may feel beaten up by life.  You may feel like giving up, but know that He is presence is here, He will protect you,  and His power is here to sustain you!!

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” ThereforeI will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.“

He will lift you up, call out to Him, persevere through your trial, and know that you are loved and called son or daughter of the Most High!

1.
Say, are you weary? Are you heavy laden?
Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care?
Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance?
Come, then, with me, there is refuge from despair.

Chorus
I know a fount where sins are washed away,
I know a place where night is turned to day;
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There’s a wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary.

2.
Are you still doubting power to keep from sinning,
Power that can change the heart and make it new?
Are you still longing for a full salvation?
You may receive it and live a life that’s true.

3.
Fettered and bound by chains of self-indulgence,
Missing the blessings God on man bestows,
Seeking for joy but only sorrow finding?
Come to the waters where grace and mercy flow.

4.
Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour!
Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide!
No one has ever trusted unavailing,
No one has claimed of his love and been denied.

——————————————–
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!