26 June 2021 - How to respond in difficult times?

In Psalm 71:20 (NIV) we see that David has many troubles. “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter”.

In Isaiah 21:3 we see what the impact of difficult times or bad news can have on us. Isaiah 21:3 (voice) “My stomach sinks. My gut churns with pain. As a woman in labour wrenches and writhes, I can hardly bear the news. I cannot hear because I’m bent over with agony. I cannot see because I’m deep in the fog of depression.”

How to respond in difficult times?

Keep on Trusting

Irrespective of how we feel, keep on trusting God. Isaiah’s faith stayed strong despite bad news he received. He trusted God.

Isaiah 49:4b (NLT) “Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

Keep on Hoping

Difficult times will not last forever. During difficult times, there is hope. Psalm 71:20b (NIV) “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honour and comfort me once more.”

G. K. Chesterton said, “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.”

Jeremiah 17:7(NLT) “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Keep on Praising

David kept on praising God despite troubles. Psalm 34:1(TLB) “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.”

Keep on Praying

Psalm 32:6 (MSG) “Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched. 7 God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.”

When difficulty comes, keep on trusting, keep on hoping, keep on praising and keep on praying.

Today, keep going.