There are so many people in this world who feel all alone. They don't believe that they are loved, cared about or thought upon. That is a falsity that should never be believed because the love that permeates from the heart of God envelops this entire world. It was a love so great that it brought God from the heights of Heaven all the way down to this earth to bring redemption and reconciliation to mankind once and for all. The lonely, the brokenhearted, the ones in despair have a God that they can call upon who will hear their hearts cry and promises to bring comfort and rest to their weary souls. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) (Psalm 147:3)

No matter how overwhelmed we may sometimes feel, we should always remind ourselves that God is not far away and in His sight all is well. If God does not worry, then why should we? If God promised victory to those who depended upon Him, then why should we question our tomorrows? Faith, trust and obedience to God’s Word will keep our hearts strong in the tough times because we are reassured time and again that all will be well with our soul because God could never fail us. I pray that you are constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness that is shown throughout the countless stories in the Bible and let you see that the same love and care is available to you just the same. (Psalm 30:10-12) (Psalm 46:1-5)

I hope this message inspires and encourages your heart to trust in the Lord with all of your heart no matter how hard the storms are raging around you.


REASONS TO HOPE WHEN YOU ARE HURTING

1. God is truly in control. If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission. While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times. “We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

2. There is an eternal life to come. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later.” Romans 8:18 “He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.” 1 Corinthians 1:8

3. The story isn't finished yet. Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit. “But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.'” Genesis 50:19-20

4. God has not given up on you! Don't give up on Him. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

5. There is likely purpose in your pain. Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance. “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:2-4

6. You are loved! Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you. “He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lords' favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.” Isaiah 61:1-3

7. Your prayers are heard. “You parents - if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him?” Matthew 7:9-10

8. You are not facing this alone. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” That is why we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

9. Others have made it through - you can too. Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength and encouragement. “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

10. Reach out to someone else who's struggling. Place your focus on someone else and invest your life in him or her. You may discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. “All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

By Steve Arterburn and Mike Marino


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 34:17-20 “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

Psalm 138:6-8 “Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.”

Proverbs 8:17-21 “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”

Psalm 28:6-8 “Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. 


Today's Selected Poem: GOD KNOWS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem15.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: TESTIMONY OF GOD'S LOVE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony150.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry