We all have times when things are tough. Temptations get the better of us. We fall out with loved ones. Or we suffer disharmony in our family, at work, or at church. Any of these can challenge even the most seasoned faith. So, I thought now would be as good a time as any to share our 'go to' scriptures; the places we go to find comfort and encouragement.
We know why we have tough times: we live in a world where bad things happen and this actually improves our character. A couple of places liken this to a child being disciplined by a loving parent (Heb 12:6) - the result being that the child grows into an improved human being. And it's the same for us: fruit doesn't grow on the mountain tops! But this doesn't make it any easier to endure the tough times when they arrive.
And so to my 'big scripture':
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. (Isa 26:2-3, ESV).
I find this passage helpful in challenging times for these reasons:
- The promise of peace. During times of trouble, peace can seem a remote prospect. But here is God's promise of peace, if we can only shut out the noise and focus on him.
- Trust. The modern world has eroded trust in God with trust in other things - like politicians, material possessions, or ourselves. And yet, the only one who can rescue us from whatever trouble we are facing is God!
- Forever. Whatever we are going through, however painful it may be, it is temporary - and not to be compared with the peace that God is holding out to us both now and forever.
Worth remembering that Jesus came through tougher times than we will ever have to face - for the joy that was set before him.
And so, it's your turn. Please feel free to share your big scriptures for tough times. It doesn't have to be a verse - it could be a song, or something that somebody once told you that you keep going back to. We look forward to hearing from you!
Image: Flickr.