Faith in Hard Times

In this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we don’t need to be left battered by the storms of life. Instead, we can find reassurance that God is a refuge in times of trouble as David states in Psalm 61:3, “For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.”

A tower is a high place from which we can look at life and see it from God’s perspective. A spiritual tower of prayer is the place from where we can pray, pour out our hearts to God, intercede for others, and quietly listen for His counsel. If we want to experience God’s best, we can. Our Father is a tower of strength and refuge to whom we can go.

With your face set like flint toward heaven, with your pen in your hand, write words of praise to your Father and your prayers for your family, church, nation, friends, and yourself. 

The Bible is a journal of God’s interactions with man, of people’s struggles, and of God’s faithful interventions. Let His Word speak to you as you scale the tower of God in prayer.

Jesus, TOWER OF STRENGTH AND REFUGE, I praise You. When I don’t know how I can get through the next minute, You are my strength and help. Thank You for all the ways You guard and guide me. 

In her teaching on John 16, Debbie touches on Jesus’ words from John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Watch her teaching on the subject HERE. 

Do you ever feel fragile or like you might explode because of the daily pressure you are under? 

David knew what it was like to feel that way and found God to be the sustainer of his soul. Listen to his words in Psalm 54:4. “God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

What does it mean for God to be the sustainer of our soul? 

It means that God revives our minds and emotions when we sit in His presence, meditate on His truths, and absorb encouragement from His Word. 

God the Holy Spirit refreshes and sustains us so we can carry on rather than break or explode. 

What story do you have of how God has been your sustainer? Think over the ways and write them in a prayer giving thanks to God.

Lord God, I praise You, SUSTAINER of my soul. Thank You for the many times and ways You sustain me. I love and praise You!

Do you commute to work and want to listen to some encouraging teachings by Debbie while you drive? Let her podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean help you set your mind on Christ before you start your day!

What are you facing today? Are the storms of life relentlessly beating against your soul leaving you feeling unsettled, discouraged, or perhaps overwhelmed? 

Is someone “attacking” you, finding fault or accusing you wrongly? 

No doubt, there are times when we feel battered by our stormy circumstances. When that happens we can go to God, who Psalm 91:1 describes as a shelter. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Yes, God is a shelter. The Hebrew word sēṯer means “hiding place.”  God is a hiding place for the believer.

What does that mean for us on a daily basis? 

It emphasizes how important it is for us to sit with God and to return to Him when difficult circumstances strike like lightning, when someone’s words pelt us or Satan sends tornadoes of temptation. 

When we dwell, sit, in the shelter (hiding place) of God, He covers us with His righteousness and peace. Go to Him. Sit with Him.

Lord, You are a SHELTER in the storms and temptations of life. I love and praise You!

Are you going through a trial? Being tested? Do you have relationship issues? A problem with your tongue? Do finances get you down or are you caught up in money? Do you have questions about how prayers get answered or why they don’t? The book of James speaks volumes into our lives and offers words of encouragement to hold on to and apply through life’s storms. Follow along in our James study by clicking HERE, or watch the teachings on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Have you ever heard someone say “that stinks” when something awful happens?

If bad things repeatedly happen, they might even say, “Life stinks.” 

Instead of focusing on the foul, though, we have a choice to breathe in what Song of Solomon 2:1 refers to as the Rose of Sharon, a reference to Christ and His splendor, heavenly fragrance, and beauty.

When life stinks, stay extra close to Christ. Breathe in His fragrance. “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (Song of Solomon 2:1).

Lord Jesus, You are the ROSE OF SHARON, the fragrant aroma of heaven. Thank You that I can breathe in the beauty of Your fragrance in the midst of whatever my day brings. 

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Have you ever had your head “hangin’” low? Perhaps you were depressed. It seemed everybody or everything was against you. Or, maybe your head was “hangin” low in shame. Or maybe you were at a crossroads in life and didn’t know what to do. 

The acclaimed King David knew what it was like to have his head hanging low. He penned these words, “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3). His head had been down, but he knew on whom to focus—the Lord.

If your head is hanging low today, remember that God sees you and cares about you. Whatever you are facing, He is the lifter of your head, just as He was David’s. You can also try the following:

1) Turn to Psalm 3 and read it. It is only 8 verses. Read Psalm 1, only 6 verses.

2) Write in your journal a verse that is meaningful to you and a verse that is instructive. Personalize the verses. For instance, I wrote in my journal, “Psalm 1:1a, 2-3b. How blessed is the woman whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law she meditates day and night.” Blessed, not stressed. Blessed, not head hangin’ low.

What happens when we follow our Father’s instruction and lift our heads and eyes to His glorious Word? We experience hope, peace, grace, and glory in Him. 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, that Your Word is the LIFTER OF OUR HEAD. I love and praise You.

Happy Fourth of July! As you enjoy the fireworks this July 4th , think beyond them to the Creator of the night sky and the true light of the world. Help spread the light and truth of Christ by encouraging someone you know to subscribe to 365 Days of Praise.