I see so much heartache all the time on social media, on the news, and in the people around me. Hurt overwhelms our world. Pain is experienced by everyone at one time or another. It's unavoidable. I know so many people going through excruciating trials and loss and heartbreak during this time. There is a saying that says that God never gives you more than you can handle, but that is completely false. We do experience things that we cannot handle in our own humanly flesh. When we do have more than we can handle, we have to turn to Him to help us through it. He, who experienced so much pain himself, knew that we would need comforting and encouragement when we go through trials. He knew we would need help and strength. He is ready to comfort and is there even when you feel abandoned. Psalm 61:2 says "When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Go to the rock. Go to Him. Here's what He promises when we do go to Him:
1. "What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later." Romans 8:18
This pain you are going through is temporary and will end. There is so much more to look forward to. As C.S. Lewis said, "There are far, far, better things ahead than any we leave behind." Keep going. There are brighter days ahead.
2."After your season of suffering, God in all His grace will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10
Again this season of pain will pass, and in the end, you will actually end up being restored back to what you were before and even strengthened to be stronger than you were before the trials. You will also be confirmed and established, so you end up gaining even in your loss.
3. "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you." Isaiah 43:2
You are not alone even though it might seem like it. It might seem like noone understands you or knows your heart, but He does. He knows your pain and heart when no-one else does. Take comfort in knowing that the creator of the universe is by your side.
4. "Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
While everything else might be changing in your life, He is not. He's the same. He's constant, and always will be.
5. "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
You might be exhausted and tired of fighting, but turn to God even when you can only mumble or groan a prayer. He will equip and strengthen you to do what you couldn't do on your own and knows exactly what you need.
6. "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11
Things take time and it's even harder when we want things now, but God isn't on our time schedule. Good things take time, and He will make everything, even what we would consider destroyed, beautiful eventually. Be patient.
7. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14
You don't even have to lift a finger in your battles. Hand your problems to Him and He'll take it from there. Sit back, relax, and watch Him work. He's got it under control.
8. "I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born, says the Lord." Isaiah 66:9
The pain you are going through is not going to be wasted and is not pointless. Sometimes we have to be broken to allow the light to get in. Something new and beautiful is coming out of this, be patient and excited for what will come from your pain.
9. "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5
He is listening and there, even when He feels absent. He also says He will heal you and bring you through this.
10. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 76:26
Even if it feels like you failed, God is still there and will continue to be your strength through it all.
11. "Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
You are His. He has already redeemed you and called you, personally, by name. He has you in the palm of His hand. Don't be afraid as you go through whatever trial you are facing. He has you.
12. "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him and He answered my prayer." Psalm 120:1
Take your troubles, even the tiniest ones, to Him. Cry out. Ugly cry even. He is there and listening. He will answer your prayer.
13. "And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst." Zechariah 2:5
He will protect you. He will be your light even through the darkest pain.
14. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Even if you are worried about the smallest thing, take it to Him. He wants to know about your problems and what's worrying you. He wants to know everything because He genuinely cares.
15. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Psalm 40:1-3
Even when it seems to take forever for Him to answer your prayers, He will hear your cry. He will get you through this and bring you out of the pit it seems like you are stuck in. He will give you a new song and set you on a firm place. Hold fast.
Even when it feels like you can't go anymore; even when you are struggling to catch your breath; even when you are crying by yourself at 3 a.m.; He is there. You might not know how to continue on or even pray, but He will get you through it and listens to the simple "help me" uttered through gritted teeth the same as a long, eloquent prayer. He will get you through this. This is temporary. There is far better ahead.
