WHO CAN HELP ME IN MY TIMES OF DESPAIR?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, 
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; 
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
(Isaiah 41:10)

MEDITATION:
It happens to us all at some point in our lives, doesn’t it?
Out of the blue, something happens that sucks the air out of us.
It feels like a rug has been snatched from beneath our feet 
and we begin to struggle for stability.

Our ‘orderly’ life has been disrupted and suddenly our priorities have changed.
It could be financial problems, loss of a job, bad decisions by loved ones,
mistreatment by others, unrealistic expectations, family problems, illnesses, 
or anything else that interrupts our ‘normal’ way of living.

Some of the minor irritations that have been bothering us 
are replaced with a more serious and devastating problem.
We are reminded that we have been wasting precious time focusing on 
some wrong things, which might include trying to change other people 
so they will be like we want them to be, or think they should be.
Satan is clever in his efforts, and he wants to fill our minds with 
negativity so we will miss out on enjoying the positives of life and others.

Problems can leave us weak and create a feeling of hopelessness in our minds.
Even though we may have friends who are there for us,
they have their own responsibilities and can only spend 
a limited time in their efforts to console and encourage us. 
They want to help us, but their best efforts 
may not always provide us with what we need at the time. 

So, how do we handle these unexpected difficulties 
and complications that have blind-sided us?
Where do people turn when they have no relationship with the Lord,
because they have refused to surrender to Him and receive His salvation?

Who can help to sustain them?
Where is the anchor of stability they desperately need in the storm?
If their friends cannot provide consolation and comfort them adequately, 
what is left, and how can they cope with their feelings of hopelessness?

For those who belong to the Lord, He has promised to be with us at all times.
We worship a God who can calm our fears, give us strength and hold our hand.
His Word is truth, so we can believe His promises to be with us.

How does He comfort and encourage us?
I’m not sure anyone can explain the feelings of His presence, 
but those who love Him know when He is with them.
He can give us an unusual calmness in the midst of our turmoil.
 
ACTION:
No one welcomes frightening, overwhelming and discouraging 
circumstances which can turn our world upside down.
However, when we belong to the Lord, the bad times can remind us of our 
commitment to the Lord, and encourage us to re-surrender our lives to Him.
Drifting away from Him can be a subtle transition that is a result of 
our efforts to ‘modify’ His commands to fit our lifestyle preferences.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises to always be with me. 
Forgive me for any casual or lackadaisical attitudes I may have regarding 
my relationship with You. Forgive me for treating Your commands as a 
smorgasbord where I can choose which ones I like, and ignore the others. 
Remind me of Your presence during the good times so I will run to You 
when I am devastated and discouraged. Thank You for Your love and for 
knowing how to comfort and encourage me when I need it the most.”

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