Where Do You Find Relief? - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 31, 2024
“Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1
Throughout history, humans have searched for relief from the countless pressures of living on this earth.
The 1976 Rolaids classic commercial, “How do you spell relief?” was a big hit with not just people dealing with excessive stomach acid but those facing all kinds of uncomfortable situations.
As well, Alka Seltzer’s 1976 jingle “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!” rang true with people dealing with heartburn, upset stomach, and headaches and also became a catchy jingle to sing for a variety of settings.
Obviously, these “relief” advertisements became popular because people are looking for relief from the stresses of life, and even through simple statements, these classic commercials brought a certain amount of relief to countless people.
Likewise, it seems like many of us are breathing a sigh of relief over the recent elections being over—relief that all the political campaigning is ending and relief from the hardships we’ve endured since the last election.
Many feel that help is on the way, and there is a sense of renewed hope in the air again. People’s steps seem lighter and their outlook brighter. True, in a nation, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
Still, maybe as Christians, is it a bit concerning if we, as believers in Jesus Christ, are seemingly finding our hope in human candidates more than our divine heavenly Father. Psalm 121:2 reminds us where our help comes from: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
It seems out of place for us to look to earthly leaders as our source of relief and freedom, especially because God cautions us against doing so, even though, as Proverbs 8:15 reveals, God can move through human leaders: “By Me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.”
Still, God warns us about putting our trust in them over putting it in Him. As Psalm 146:3 reminds us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
Powerful leaders can seem to offer us safety, security, and prosperity, but let’s remember as Psalm 20:7 encourages, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
After all, aren’t we free every day in Christ, no matter who is in power in our nation? Or, maybe, we aren’t fully grasping the truth of it? John 8:36 reminds us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Our freedom isn’t based on who is in office and running the government. Galatians 5:1 explains, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
As believers in Jesus Christ, doesn't our ongoing, continual, never-ending help, hope, and relief come from God, who made Heaven and Earth? 1 John 5:4 explains, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
No matter the circumstances, which leaders are in power, or how difficult, unbearable, or unchangeable it may seem at times, we have God’s word that our faith will be victorious to overcome it.
Even when we aren’t seeing God’s justice in the world or leaders who honor Him, God assures us that our relief is on the way, and it’s not just for a four-year term. As 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 explains, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”
Regardless of who is running the country, or the world, or the chaos erupting around the globe, Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Let’s pray:
Dear Father,
Help us look to You for relief from the unrest and chaos in the world. Let us find our freedom in You and You alone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Dulyanut Swdp
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
