At some point everyone goes through hard times: illness, losing a job, loneliness, worries about children or the future. In such moments faith does not spare us difficulties, but it gives us a safe place to lean on.
The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 23 has comforted whole generations. It begins with a simple confession: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1). A shepherd knows his sheep, leads them to good pasture and protects them from danger. That is how God cares for us.
The psalmist does not promise that there will be no dark valleys, but that we will not be alone in them: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Fear not
Throughout the Bible, God often repeats the same encouragement: “Fear not.” Through the prophet Isaiah He says: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10). Fear is a natural reaction, but it does not have to be the one in charge.
When we feel overwhelmed, we can take these promises and speak them in prayer. They are not empty words, but the commitment of a faithful God.
God works for good
Paul writes a promise that does not explain every suffering, but gives us confidence: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Not everything is good, but God can bring good even out of the hardest situations.
Sometimes we only understand this later, looking back. Sometimes we will only understand it in eternity. Until then, we can move forward with trust, knowing that God has not left us.
For reflection
What trial are you facing right now? Choose one of the promises in this study, write it on a piece of paper and read it every morning. If you would like the church to pray for you, send us a prayer request.
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.