Hope for the Discouraged Heart - Your Nighty Prayer - July 24th
Hope For the Discouraged Heart
By: Greg Grandchamp
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
SOMETHING TO PONDER
I think it’s something we have all felt at one point or another. Regardless of our strength of faith, we can feel a bit down. A bit discouraged. Actually, we can feel a lot down and a lot discouraged. Sometimes it seemingly grows day by day until we go to bed, rather exhausted and trying to catch our breath a bit.
Feeling discouraged can be a tough hole to climb out of. Sometimes life throws a lot at us. We often hear that “God will never give us more than we can handle,” but that is simply not true. What is true is that God will never give us more than He can handle right by our side.
At those times, it is important to remember that we are not alone in how we are feeling. Every believer has felt what you’re feeling. More importantly, we are not alone because God is right there with us – even, maybe especially, in those times when we don’t feel His presence.
It is important, then, to remember that He promised never to leave us. To never forsake us.
Of course, the Lord knew these days would come to us, because the Bible is chock-full of verses to help us renew our strength in Him. But not just verses – examples. Goodness, I think David and Paul – and even Jesus - offer us the most compelling examples of those who felt discouragement and separation from God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for the Father to “take the cup” from Him – a prayer that went unanswered.
Paul often struggled throughout his travels and travails. Paul taught, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
David, “a man after God’s own heart”, often questioned God in lament. How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1). To some, David’s psalm might seem lacking in faith, but on the contrary, it showed the strength of David’s faith that he knew he could pour out his feelings to God. And he knew God was listening.
Yet, despite pouring his heart out to God, David also strengthened himself each time, remembering who God is and what He has done for us.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
Despite our human weakness, God remains our ultimate strength. When we feel discouraged, we can turn and allow God’s unwavering strength to fill our hearts, knowing His strength is eternal. This means we can rely on Him for comfort and for guidance.
And let us always remember, our true joy stems from our relationship with God. And that relationship brings us lasting strength. When we focus on His goodness, our discouragement begins to fade. The resulting joy revitalizes our spirit, empowering us to face life’s challenges knowing He is with us always.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father in heaven,
You know all things. You know my coming and my going, and you know everything I’m feeling. Right now, I’m struggling to feel your presence. You already know the struggles I’m going through. Please, Father, don’t leave me alone in these difficult times. Let me feel you. Let me know that you’re right here with me. I know, Father, that I can always count on you and you will guide me through. I thank you for everything you have done for me, Lord. It is in the mighty name of Jesus that I pray.
Amen and Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. So often, we cannot even imagine how those who don’t know God can cope with what we are feeling. Then, we can take comfort and feel blessed that we have Him to turn to. To pour out our feelings to God, as David did.
2. Throughout our lives, we all encounter situations that test our strength and at times our faith. In those times of discouragement, it is important to remember the source of our strength. It surely does not come from within ourselves - it comes from God.
3. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Our weaknesses provide an opportunity for God’s power to work in and through us. When we acknowledge our dependence on Him, His grace becomes our support. This allows us to rise above whatever our current struggles are.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/priscilladupreez
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
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