Who among these Bible characters is your favourite and why? To see difficulty the way God does, we need Bible verses for hard times that we can hold on to. Some may be struggling with an exam season, others may be going through a painful breakup. Esthers cousin and adopted father, Mordecai, asked her to stand up for her people. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. For the choir director. If you see a friend going through a hard time, are you allowing them to push you away, or are you choosing to stick by them and love them no matter what? This is something we can learn: to not compromise when faced with solutions which we know are wrong. It is possible to praise the Lord in hardship. Who has he put in your life to comfort and stick with you? If you ever want to feel better about your own flaws and mistakes, read the story of Jacob. God doesnt want us to be held back by our past, and wants to help us be able to move forward. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Someone from the Bible who faced similar difficulties is Paul, who lost his freedom and was imprisoned multiple times throughout his ministry. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, . WebAbout midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened, NET Bible who drove him away, and he departed. Even though I knew it was wrong, I compromised to save myself, and regret that decision to this day. Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. Have you found yourself slipping into the dark shadows? True joy and peace dont originate with us, but come to us as the gifts and fruit of Gods grace. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. God has promised that he will guard and keep us during hard times. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Even when we face the impossible, we can still have faith because God can do anything. Faced with temptations? For the choir director. [26] Then the man said, Let me go, for the dawn is breaking! But Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you bless me. [27] What is your name? the man asked. We can enjoy Davids grateful heart in the book of psalms, where this man inspired by God knew how to pour out his heart before the omnipotent God through the most beautiful words and poems. Who is someone that you could reach out and help this week? David trusts the word of God and knows that God is worthy to be praised. Anyone in the presence of the slaves of his officials! For more information about subscriptions, click here. He persistently, continually, and repeatedly praises the Lord. He was the hero who defeated Goliath, successful in war and had the love of the people. He had everything that anyone living in that time would want a big family, good health and plentiful wealth. But Mordecai wanted to help her see that the impact she was capable of having was greater than the risk. But Esther replied: All the kings officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold sceptre to them and spares their lives. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. See a list of Psalms below that focus on the emotional and physical feeling of suffering. In fact, his difficult circumstances made him a more compassionate and humble king. The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me. [22] So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. Watch: 3 Examples of Trusting God When Times Are Hard. New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. How did I get myself here?. The moral of Job's story is: It's okay to question God or the reasons for why something is happening, but there's no need for us to stay there. She had visited many doctors and had spent all she had on treatments. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. K When God told Jonah, Preach to them, Jonah still replied, No. He even tried to run away from God by sailing for Tarshish! And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Yet through it all, Job stayed true to God and his faith. WebRead Psalm 86; Acts 4:23-37. Read Chapter All Versions 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. Jumping and dancing before the LORD, she felt for him a deep contempt. Have you ever said this about your life? But despite his many flaws, God still chose him for something special. Imagine having been married for a long time, unable to have kids and living in a culture that measured Gods love for you by the number of children you have. It took ten years, but our oldest finally returned to God. I think part of the reason Isaiahs faith stayed strong despite bad news was because he was honest about his doubt and frustration and he believed deeply in Gods purpose. Knowing hell meet us when we are most broken is the beautiful reality of living the abundant life. So let us all trust in God and turn to Him. After this, the Bible tells us that Peter thinks he is unworthy and returns to his old life as a fisherman. When I am afraid,I will put my trust in You. 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. Our relationships can completely change for the better when we are willing to trust God with our mistakes and sins. Our faith can show other people the power of God and inspire them to draw closer to him. What hit home for you in this article? It is the Lord who goes before you. So I will continue dancing in the presence of the. But, if we review Davids story in the Bible, we realize that becoming king for him was a difficult path to travel and that, however, God was with him in every part of his life. in a linen ephod, he began to dance before the LORD with great enthusiasm. Wanna obey God? He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Spread the loveWhat does the bible say about Gods purpose? Trust in the Lord forever,For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. David replied: I did it in the presence of the LORD, who instead of choosing your father or He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. And Jesus *answered saying to them, Have faith in God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!. [12] But you promised me, I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore too many to count.. Praising God in the hard times doesnt minimize or deny heaviness of heart. The Holy Spirit causes our hearts to overflow with hope. My flesh finds relief in making a plan or figuring out a solution, but something I learned about going through difficulty is that its an opportunity to transform my prayer life. Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. Yep, praising God in the midst of trouble is a powerful tool. How might these stories and lessons from the Bible speak to your troubles? Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Among these stories, those of Grateful Menin the Bible stand out, helping us to know how we should be grateful to God and what we gain from it. And you, too, can find strength, comfort and guidance in the Lord during these challenging times. But then she was faced with a dilemma. She was sick, broke, and an outcast. From the dramatic, such as fleeing kings who want your life, to the more relatable, like losing ones freedoms, family or livelihood God is with us through it all. When we feel scared or uncertain, we can turn to Scripture and the Lord for guidance and strength. I shut down my emotions so I dont have to feel or rely on anyone. The bearers of the Ark had scarcely advanced six steps, when David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. If David had killed Saul in those moments, he would have ended his difficult life on the run. The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,A stronghold in times of trouble; My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my hope is from Him. Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. The jailer then took Paul to his home to wash his wounds. But instead of getting better, her condition worsened. The people of Israel murmured against Moses, wondering what they should drink. B Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. If youre going through a hard time, are you relying on God and friends, or are you pushing them away? Praying God's Promises: The Why and How Behind the Practice. How do you respond when faced with the consequences of your mistakes? It broke all the chains and opened the doors of the prisoners! The Lord is good,A stronghold in the day of trouble,And He knows those who take refuge in Him. And He knows those who take refuge in Him. Why so disturbed within me? For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. One of the most inspiring stories of hope in the Bible is that of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. Yet because of her confident faith in Jesus, she was able to ignore the pain for a moment and ultimately take the risk that changed everything. Difficulty comes in all shapes and sizes. Do you freeze up, run away, blame others? Is your faith based on the outcome of your difficult situation? What can we learn from the Bibles imperfect fathers? God showed his faithfulness with Zechariah and Elizabeth by working to bless their lives even after they waited a long time. They were not motivated by their own success or glory when they refused to bow down, but rather by the fact that God would be glorified through the result of either their sacrifice or their triumph. That was what happened to queen Esther. We might not have the title Deborah did, but life demands a lot from us each day: settling disputes, helping people with marriages, finances, kids, and health. From an early age, David seemed to understand the importance of having a close relationship with his Lord. How has this influenced your belief in Gods love and faithfulness? They trusted God completely. Its been a grueling series of doctor appointments and tests that have left us feeling frustrated and forgotten. WebJoseph: Hope Through Perseverance. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.". in a linen ephod, he began to dance before the LORD with great enthusiasm. After losing both her husband and her sons, she felt completely empty and utterly alone. And yet, we all know the story of what happens it occurs just as Jesus said it would. How is God trying to be a friend to you? A Psalm of David. Job eventually repents and is humbled before God. To the choirmaster. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king. (Esther 4:11). Are you still praying about where you want God to take you? This is the kind of friend God is to us (Psalm 103:8 VOICE), and the kind of friend we should be for each other. This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. [7] For we live by faith, not by sight. When we read that David was a king, anyonemight think that it would be very easy for him to be grateful to God. Woman healed by Jesus: trusting God is taking risks despite the pain, 5. This gives us at least a vision of ourselves rejoicing in the future. She refused initially, as speaking up would mean risking the death penalty. God then spoke to Job in a storm. Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.. J All of the disciples go with him. So what did Moses do? Instead of answering his question, God asked Job if he understood the workings of the complex universe like He does. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Web43 Bible Verses about Prayer During Hard Times. Its been 30 days since the king last summoned me! Earlier on in his life, Moses ran to the wilderness to flee from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him. Maybe its a lingering health situation that wont go away, a child who rejects your influence, a character weakness you cannot overcome, or a sin that plagues you and your relationships. Cling to truths instead. Of the Sons of Korah. T He turns the light on where once there was only darkness. & Privacy Policy. I have hope, he is faithful to help, and he is my God! The bearers of the Ark had scarcely advanced six steps Davids destiny was fulfilled and he became king of Israel. He makes me lie down in green pastures. This article was created by a member of the Deep Spirituality editorial team. For example, I faced a tough period in my life during the O-Level Mandarin Chinese exams. WebJob eventually repents and is humbled before God. When we read that David was a king, anyone. Later, in the midst of Jobs suffering, his friends got into a debate with him. This was not at all how we pictured our life. My times are in Your hand;Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. She loved and believed in her, so nothing Naomi could have done would push her away. The 6 sins against the Holy Spirit you should Know, Explanation of Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, what is Gods purpose for man: Understanding Gods Purpose for Our Lives. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. So that man will not discover anything that will be after him. He could have given up on God altogether, but decided to keep serving God despite his unfulfilled longing. Our vulnerable prayers unlock a deeper level of intimacy with God. For the choir director. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Naomi and Ruth: Trusting God when you feel alone, 9. May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. Ability to Comfort Others: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. F He chose to turn to God, but this decision wasnt an easy one. Certainly, all of us are going through the current COVID-19 pandemic. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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