When you watch the news, hear from your friends, and face your own difficulties on a daily basis … it can seem like every bad thing is happening to everybody all the time. At least, it feels that way for me when I am weary, like a bombardment of brokenness.
Wave after wave of disappointment, mishap, and tragedy crash upon the eroding shore of my heart. There are times I get sucked down into the melancholy muck of despair, disbelief, and discouragement. But I must remember where my help comes from.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2
But it doesn’t end there.
“He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” – 3-8
When everything in my life tells me otherwise, I go back to the truth I know.
“God is [my] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore [I] will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” – 46:1-3
War is raging. People are dying. Relationships are breaking. Evil is present. Violence is rampant. Politics and policies are corrupt. Some babies are never born, some people never change, and some prayers are not yet answered.
Things are always changing and nothing goes to plan.
“But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer.” – 38:15
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” – 56:3
God never fails. He is still present, working His will and defending His cause. When I cannot make sense of anything, I must preach to my own soul.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” – 43:5
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – 103:1-2
It may not look promising at the moment, but the promise holds true.
“Behold, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5
And one day I will take it all in with my very own eyes.
Abby
