When they suffered, he suffered with them. The Angel of His Presence saved them. Out of his enduring love and compassion he redeemed them. He lifted them up, carried them in his arms, and cared for them all the days of old.
Isaiah 63:9
When we live in a state of chaos and confusion all around us; it’s important to remember and believe that those who trust in Jesus are lifted to a place of safety in his arms. We are cared for, saved, and have an empathetic God to walk beside us. This is encouraging for me, especially this past week.
Wherever you stand, whatever you are doing, I think it helps to know that God is bigger than any problem set before you. Much bigger! For this I am thankful.
I was thinking about Moses this morning and how so often in his life he was faced with the impossible. It must have felt impossible to him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He moved ahead anyway and led them out. I’ve wondered before if he had any idea, even an inkling, as to all the many impossibilities that were before him.
In Christian history we have numerous examples of God doing the impossible. David fought impossible battles. Esther saved her people because she dared to go before the king. Deborah led a victorious army. Joshua and his army marched around city and watched it fall down. Jesus rose from the dead!
For me he has also done the impossible. He has turned despair into hope. He has taken trouble and turned it into blessings. He has changed me. This is what he does.
I want to encourage you to remember the Lord your God and all that he has done for you. Remember the times you believed all was lost, when instead it was just beginning. Remember how he faithfully works inside your heart to destroy the lies that bind you, and in exchange he gives you truth.
“Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in the Lord our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! Our enemies will not prevail; they will only collapse and perish in defeat while we will rise up full of courage.
Psalms 20:7-8
Whatever is against you, God will prevail. The enemy of fear, lack, distress, hopelessness, pain, will collapse and parish in defeat while you rise up full of courage. Believe me, I need to know this. I need God to remind me daily of his power and the victory he has already won. I need to know he will prevail, no matter what.
“He’s my first responder to my sufferings, and he didn’t look the other way when I was in pain. He was there all the time, listening to the song of the afflicted.”
Psalms 22:24
We serve a God of freedom, and he will fight, pursue, love, and keep us in all situations. He hears all that we say and does not turn away. He is mighty and brave, good and kind, and he is love.
Today, if you are feeling discouraged, sad, afraid, or whatever it may be, He is ready with his arms spread out around you to lift you up.
What a super great, encouraging article, Bethany!!! Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!!!
Carmen
Thank you! Your encouragement really touched me today. I have been drawn to reading the Psalms during these trying days. I keep thinking about David being a man after God’s own heart and seeing how he related to God, where he found his strength, his joy, his openness.
Thank you, a great read before I sleep. Such a good reminder.