Discouraged? Cling to these 3 verses!
I’m delighted to share (with permission) this wonderful teaching from my friend, author, and outstanding Bible teacher, Becky Harling.
1. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
I think it’s safe to assume that we’re all a little weary from all that’s happened in the past few years. Right? We’re sick of hearing about COVID numbers rising. We’re exhausted from the political rhetoric, and we’re tired of negative news reports! We’re weary! Yet, tucked in this promise from Isaiah, is the certainty that if we anchor our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will rise with renewed energy and passion. Take this promise and use it as a prayer of praise back to God. Thank Him that you can root your hope in Him and that, as you do, you will rise up with renewed strength.
2. 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).
In these uncertain days, God’s presence is with you. He extends His righteous right hand to you and offers His comfort to you in the journey. A good practice for these days is to set the alarm on your phone and, every two hours, stop and remind yourself that “Jesus is with me in this mess.” No matter how chaotic your life might feel right now, the presence of Christ is right there with you. Train your soul to stop, breathe, and remember: His presence is with you.
3. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth” (Isaiah 42:16).
Friend, the truth is, none of us have walked this path before. It’s a way we don’t know. It reminds me of a steep mountain I once hiked with my husband Steve. We were on a narrow, winding path with a steep cliff off to one side. Not a fan of heights, I felt terrified. But Steve went ahead of me and cleared rocks off the path so that I wouldn’t stumble and fall. It’s the same with the Lord. He is already in tomorrow. I have observed that many are filled with dread during this season, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Relax. It’s going to be okay. God is already in tomorrow. He will guide you as you step along the unfamiliar path.
Why don’t you write each of these promises on an index card? Post them where you will see them frequently. Memorize them. Rehearse them often in your mind and take a few moments to pray each one. As you do, I believe your hope will be renewed, your joy will be restored, and your faith will be refreshed!
You can follow Becky by going to her website HERE.
I’d love to hear how you combat the very human responses of worry and fear. For more Biblical help on Conquering Worry and Fear, check out the free download I've just posted. You can also contact me for a private 20 minute call.
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Poppy
Coaching Women to Grow in Christ