Faith in Hard Times

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, but he also knew to whom to look. 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 set his eyes and 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. 

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

2) Write out a verse that is meaningful to you and a verse that is instructive from what you read. 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. Looking up at my Lord rather than my head hanging low.

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

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

As many celebrate the 4th of July today, we are also mindful of the grief this date holds for many in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding  Texas Hill Country communities, as we remember the devastating flood that affected our area one year ago. Whether today brings celebration, sadness, or a mixture of both, remember that God sees you and cares about you. Let’s lift our eyes to the Lord, the One who lifts our heads.

If this devotion encouraged you, consider sharing 365 Days of Praise with someone who may need the hope, peace, and truth of Christ today. Scroll down and click “Forward to a Friend” to share this blog post.

Have you or are you currently experiencing heartbreak? Perhaps your loved one is deceased, cheated on you, or you’ve experienced a different type of tragedy. Maybe you’ve experienced deep loneliness, depression, or you’re feeling crushed in spirit.

Our Heavenly Father knows there are times in our life like that, which is precisely why He wants us to know that we are not alone and He is close. As Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Yes, even when there is no one in our life who is close or who can comfort us when we are broken hearted or crushed in spirit, our Lord is close and can save us. 

Our Heavenly Father has sent a loud and clear message that far outweighs any human expression. “I love you,” our Heavenly Father repeatedly says to us, with Jesus echoing His love and expressing it by sacrificing His life for us. Receive the Lord’s love and comfort today. 

Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and being CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED.

Are you facing disappointment or struggling with unmet expectations? Get a copy of The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World to discover how to take charge of your thoughts and let God reignite your hopes and dreams.