17 April 2022 - God’s help in hard times is readily available

Psalm 103:4 (NKJV) reads, “(The Lord)Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”

Have you ever experienced times that leave you hanging between a rock and a hard place: times of confusion, fear, sorrow, loneliness? Relationships may fail; precious dreams die. Everything appears bleak and answers won’t come. You find yourself in a difficult place. What do you do?

In those times remember what God can do for you. Isaiah lists a few things you must remember when you feel discouraged.

Isaiah 43: 1b "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. 2 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end – 3a Because I am God, your personal God…. 4 That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. 5 "So don't be afraid: I'm with you.

God’s help in hard times is readily available. What a wonderful promise. God so love you that He will do anything for you. If you go through difficult times, you may get mad, at God or at those who caused your problems. Or you may feel sorry for yourself, become depressed, get angry with yourself, become fearful, or wonder if God loves you. These are all normal emotions. But don’t stop there. Ask God to help you, draw close to him and to put your trust in him.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Remember, don’t be afraid, God is with you. “

Isaiah 41:10 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.

Psalm 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.