My friend’s life overflowed with divine blessings, like a river in full bloom. Then, abruptly, illness struck, leaving her in a life-or-death struggle. She lay still, confined to a hospital bed, her fragile body connected to tubes and a symphony of beeping monitors, battling for life. Her peaceful face made it look like she was just sleeping and not seriously sick. I pondered for a moment; this situation was a stark contrast to the vibrant friend I’d known for years.
As I watched her, Psalm 67:1 came to mind, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.” And then a question tugged at my heart: Does God’s blessings vanish when life turns harsh and storms rage? Can we find God’s blessings even when life seems unbearable?
A Listening Heart
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In the journey of life, we often encounter moments of profound darkness that challenge our faith and hope as well as our resilience. Perhaps you, too, are grappling with chronic pain, a child’s illness, a marriage in turmoil, relationship struggles, financial burdens, or the loss of a job. Maybe you’re asking a similar question, Lord, where are you in these dark moments? It’s easy to recognize divine blessings in life’s joys and good times, but can we discern them amidst the shadows?
Challenges may cloud our vision and make it difficult to perceive the light of God’s presence and blessings. The path to gratitude may also be shrouded in darkness. Yet, even in the midst of our deepest struggles, God remains good and continues to shower us with his grace and favor even in the darkest hours.
Scripture provides us with steadfast reassurance in times of turmoil. In Isaiah 41:10, God reminds us not to yield to fear and promises to strengthen and uphold us. Similarly, Romans 8:28 offers hope in the midst of adversity. It provides assurance that all things work together for the good of those who love God. He is near to the brokenhearted and provides comfort and solace in our darkest moments (Psalm 34:18). Meanwhile, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 encourages us to focus not on the temporary troubles of this world but on the eternal glory that awaits us.
Friend, remember that God’s goodness remains steadfast and shines upon you with unwavering grace and favor. If you’re going through a storm right now, here are 5 practical steps you can take,
- Embrace gratitude: recall past blessings and praise God for them and for his continued faithfulness.
- Prayer and meditation: Seek guidance through prayer and meditation and lean on God for strength and wisdom.
- Scripture: Find comfort in studying scripture and ask God for a word (scripture ) to stand on
- Get support: Connect with a supportive community of believers who can provide you with encouragement, prayer, and practical assistance.
- Self-care: Rest, eat well, take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and seek professional help if needed.
God loves you even in your darkest moments. Let us be encouraged and know that even in the depths of despair, we are not forsaken. God’s light shines even in the darkest corners as a beacon of hope, guiding you and me toward brighter days.
7 Scripture Verses to Encourage Faith and Hope During Dark Moments and Trials
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): 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.
Romans 8:28 (NIV): And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV): The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV): Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV): Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 68:19: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
Reflection
When life’s challenges seem overwhelming, how do you find glimmers of God’s presence and goodness shining through the darkness?
Prayer
Oh, Heavenly Father, let your face shine upon me in this season of adversity. Help me recall your bountiful blessings and count them like precious gems. Remind me that your grace is my constant companion. Thank you for your unwavering love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Weathering Storms: Finding Treasures in the Ruins is a powerful book full of encouragement and hope for those facing the storms of life. It’s available on Amazon and other book retailers.
