In my time of need
In the book of Psalms, David passionately declares that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). I can honestly say that there have not been too many times in my life where I felt as if I was in distress, unsure of where my life was headed. This verse and so many others provided me the comfort needed when a part of this world seemed to crash down around me. The time was June of 2012. I was released of my position due to budgetary restraints. This was a first for me. I had never lost a job before. I didn’t really know what to expect. What I did know was that I was confused, angry, and not sure if I would be able to provide for my wife and three children. So many thoughts flooded my brain. In my ‘time off’, I began to search scripture. As Abraham Lincoln stated, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” (See also Proverbs 3:5,6) I knew that the only place to go was to my Heavenly Father who had some comforting, encouraging, and sometimes admonishing words for me.
If you have found yourself to be ‘without’ (job, family, friends, finances, etc.), may I encourage you with what brought me comfort. You are not alone. As Psalm 46 continues, “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:2-3). The following is a list of both scripture and quotes that landed heavy on my heart, by God’s grace, in His perfect timing, in my time of need. Be encouraged!
**Note: The quotes included are not because of who the individuals are, but rather what they said can be backed up by the Word of God.
“I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” (Isaiah 41:13, ESV)
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)
“There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not always hear because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on.” (Frederick W. Faber; Psalms 46:10)
“When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open. Stay that way. God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords.” (Chuck Swindoll; Mark 9:23; Philippians 4:13)
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
“We all face trials and difficulties but we have to know, in our weakness, He is strong. God has a plan for each one of our lives and He wants us fully dependent on Him. Do not think you can face the trials of this life on your own. You will fail. Trust in God.” (Raul Ries; James 1:2-4; Jeremiah 29:11-13)
“This is the encouragement in difficult times. This is the light in the darkness. This is the comfort on the sorrow. This is the hope in the despondency. His glory will be revealed and we shall see it. Lift up your heads, lift up your hearts. You will see His glory!” (Campbell McAlpine; Psalms 23; Psalms 97:6)
“When God permits His children to go into the furnace, He always keeps an eye on the clock and a hand on the thermostat.” (Greg Laurie; Daniel 3)
“The way to really have happiness and fulfillment in life is to die to self, for the more you live for yourself, focus on yourself, the more you are concerned about yourself, the more miserable, depressed, discouraged, and defeated you’ll be. Take up your cross. As for your life, give it up, lay it down, let it go.” (Jon Courson; Matthew 16:24-25)
“This is the day the Lord has made. Don’t load it with yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s troubles. Rejoice in the gift of today!” (Max Lucado; Psalms 118:24)
“God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way.” (C.S. Lewis; Job 1; 1 Peter 4:12-13)
“It has been said that the hammer shatters glass, but it forges steel. God has His purposes in the storms of our lives. God is in control, and He has a plan.” (Greg Laurie; Mark 4:35-41)
“God’s faithfulness is experienced in his continually awakening in us the grace to keep believing. He keeps us. And he does it by giving us the passion to treasure him and pursue holiness.” (John Piper; Proverbs 21:21; Philippians 1:27)
I encourage you today to take the time to sit and read through the Word of God. Let His word and grace saturate your soul. Cry out to God in your distress. Lift up your voice to Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage you today. There is nothing going on in your life that is too troublesome for the Lord. He loves you. He desires a relationship with you. He is speaking to you.
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5-6)
