Psalm 34: 17-19 "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."
We will face obstacles and trials, but GOD promises to be faithful in all of them. He is on our side always.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
That's a PROMISE!
Search the Scriptures (internet key word searches are a good place to start- the words "faithfulness" "promises" and "protection" might be good words to search from). What other Scripures confirm this promise?
What other promises can you find?
Do you have a testimony to that truth in your own life? Ask God if He can use that to help other people.
--- My Story---
In my own life, I look back and remember when I had depression. It stemmed from bottling up how I felt, from an ended relationship that left my heart broken, and from family problems that seemed to never end. Life seemed pointless and worthless. I knew God was there- but I just really didn't have much to say to Him at that time. I was kind of angry at Him and at each morning. I was hurting and waiting for something to give. "Zombie" is a good way to describe how many days felt.
But then God stepped in.
He provided devotionals that talked about.... DEPRESSION. A whole month of daily devos, right to my inbox, about depression. The devos had random topics for all I knew-- and GOD orchestrated that the devotionals, for SO many days, would be about depression.
PRAISE GOD!
He provided a book by a comedian... who had depression far worse than me. She is a Christian speaker and author, Chonda Pierce. I clung to that library book (Laughing in the Dark is the title) for weeks and re-read it over and over again, being filled better than any meal with hope and God's promises, as well as a life that testified to them.
He provided a roommate, Jami, my freshman year of college who helped me "keep life in order" and was a sister. Her love and humor brightened every day and were definitely healthy for me.
He provided medicine inexpensively and even for free... Wow!
He provided a very sweet doctor, a very sweet mentor/minister, and very patient teachers in high school and college.
I stopped needing the medicine my freshman year in college.
The biggest thing He provided, above all? HE SHOWED ME HE CARED. He knew I was depressed, and when I allowed Him to enter it- (what other choice did I have?-) HE DID!
And now, that very thing that made me wonder why life mattered is what helps me appreciate the little things and love people wherever they are at.
AND I WANT MORE OF THAT. I want to see people like God does and love with His heart.
God is faithful and will get us through every trial, whether quick or something that takes years.
God is a redeemer.
God has the victory, in everything, when we give the trial over to Him... lay it at his feet.
Read Isaiah 61:3 in your Bible or written below.
He is faithful and He is love! And He loves You! Be blessed.
Joyfully in Christ,
Ginny
Isaiah 61:3
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
