“Praise
the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives
all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from
the pit, and crowns you with love and compassion….” (Psalm 103:
2-4 NIV).
Sometimes
when you are in the midst of a trial it is easy to forget how the
Lord helped you through other times of strife. The pain, illness,
sorrow, grief, financial burdens etc. seem so overwhelming that it is
easy to fall into despair. But, it is at these times of trials that
your faith will be tested and remembering how the Lord helped you
through other trials will help you get through any current issue that
is looming before you.
The
other day I reread one of my journals I had written since 2005.
During the last 12 years I have had many bouts of fybromyalgia flares
and other serious health issues. I was glad I wrote about them,
because I also wrote how God helped me through the pain, provided a
doctor who helped me tremendously, and just gave me peace when I
called out for help. You see He never failed to give me strength to
keep carrying on. There were many times I wondered if my pain would
ever stop, but it did. If I was in agony I would cry out to God, and
all of a sudden a peace would fill my soul that is just too hard to
explain. It is there for you too, my friend. Just ask for it!
So
you see now if I think a current problem is impossible, I remember
how God helped me through all these other trials, and I know with His
strength I can keep going. He has never failed me.
I
hope this gives you some hope also. The Bible is filled with people
who trusted God during very serious trials, and He was always full of
compassion. Please keep pressing on, remembering that God will never
fail to give you peace in the midst of your problems. My favorite
verse is, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”
(Philippians 4:13 NIV). I can very honestly say I can. Remember God
is only a prayer away.
Dear
Lord,
I
know that you have never failed to help me in past trials. Help me to
keep trusting in you in whatever hardship I face in this life. Thank
you for the peace that only you can give.
In
Jesus’ name,
Amen
