Throughout our lives we encounter challenges that can seem very difficult to overcome. Financial problems, the death of someone we love, illnesses ... there are many difficulties we have faced through the years. How good to know that God is always with us and helps us!
In the Bible we find words of encouragement and encouragement that comfort us in these situations. Through them we receive the comfort we need at the right time. They are words that help us to move forward trusting in the one who sent his beloved Son to die on the cross for love of us. Let’s look at some of these verses.
1. God is with us
So do not fear, because I am with you; do not worry, because I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will support you with my victorious right hand.
We should not fear or worry because we have the presence of our God. He does not leave us alone, and he is bigger and more powerful than any problem. We must guard our minds, focus on the greatness and power of God and that his victorious hand sustains us at all times.
2. God is good
Good is the Lord; He is a refuge in the day of trouble, and a protector of those who trust in him.
We must not doubt the goodness of our God but continue to trust his love and care. Even when God allows situations that we do not like, we can take refuge in him and in his protection. He has promised to be with us every day until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). Let us rest in his promises and in his abundant kindness to all who trust him.
3. God gives us his peace
Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not be distressed or cowed.
The peace that God gives us encompasses much more than peace as we understand it. Normally if we speak of peace we refer to the absence of war or conflict. But the concept of “ shalom ”, the peace mentioned in the Bible, is much more than that. It means wholeness, well-being, security and reaches all areas of our life.
When we are in the midst of problems and difficulties, we may become distressed and feelings overwhelm us in such a way that we forget God’s promises. Let us learn to rest in his promises, let us rest in the arms of peace and love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
4. God equips us to overcome
For God has not given us a spirit of shyness, but of power, of love and of self-control.
God fills us with his Holy Spirit and enables us to face life’s situations. We should not be shy but brave, take hold of the tools that he gives us and use them. We can be assertive and firm, take steps that glorify God and show that we are filled with his power and love.
In the midst of difficulties we must use the self-control that God gives us. Emotions should not reign and guide our actions. We can remain calm and composed because we trust our Father and he will never fail us.
5. God listens to us and acts
But I will cry out to God, and the Lord will save me. Morning, noon and night I cry out in anguish, and he listens to me. Although there are many who fight me, he rescues me, saves my life in the battle that is waged against me.
There are times when we forget to cry out to God in the midst of our difficulties. We let ourselves be blinded by the threats that surround us and the size of the problems. However, whenever we cry out to God, he listens to us and takes action. It may not instantly free us from illness or battle, but it does give us the peace we need and give us a new perspective. He reminds us that our life is in his hands and in him we have salvation.
6. God is great and powerful
Raise your eyes and look at the heavens: Who created all this? He who orders the multitude of stars one by one, and calls each one by name. His power is so great, and his strength so powerful, that none of them are missing!
However great and difficult our circumstances are, we can be sure that God is much greater and powerful. He is the creator of the universe, he created us, he knows everything that happens. By focusing on his greatness, we don’t allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by circumstances and we strengthen our trust in him, his love, and his care.
7. His word gives us life
I am prostrate in the dust; give me life according to your word. You answered me when I told you about my ways. Show me your decrees!
The word of God is alive and renews us. It is important to feed our spirit even in the midst of painful situations. In the Bible we see many men and women of God who went through difficult times but stood firm, trusting in the precious promises of our Lord. We see God’s faithfulness reflected in their lives, how he responded in every circumstance, and our faith grows.
8. There is power in the name of God
An impregnable tower is the name of the Lord; the righteous run to it and are safe.
If the only prayer you can do in the midst of your circumstances is to repeat the name of God or the name of Jesus, that prayer is enough. In his name we find refuge and salvation. He listens to the requests that come from the depths of our being and sends his Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage us.
9. Jesus has already conquered
I have told you these things so that you may find peace in me. In this world you will face afflictions, but take heart! I have overcome the world.
Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection guarantee us that victory has already been achieved. There is no affliction so great that Jesus cannot overcome. In fact, he already beat it. In the midst of our problems and pains we can remember that Jesus has already won eternal life for us and no one can take it away from us.
10. God speaks to us
I will bless the Lord who counsels me; even at night my conscience rebukes me. I always keep the Lord in mind; With him on my right, nothing will bring me down
God advises us day or night. If we are attentive and silence the voices of doubt or despair, we will be able to hear his soft and loving voice showing us what we should do. We must take time to express what we feel about him and ask him for direction. He will guide us and nothing will bring us down.
