My Monday Cup | Seeking Comfort During Hard Times

Like you, Terri and I have been overwrought with pain and sorrow after seeing the devastation that rocked residents of the Hill Country and summer campers along the Guadalupe River. Naturally, people ask where is God in all this? How can I get through these hard times?

Seeking comfort from God during hard times certainly is a deeply personal journey. However, the Bible offers practical guidance on how to draw near to God and find solace in Him. Scripture reveals there are several ways we can seek comfort during difficult times. We neither suffer alone nor persevere in an emotional silo. We don’t have to white-knuckle it on our own.

1. “Prayer,” Oswald Chambers contends, “is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God.” The Apostle Paul tells us that we should “Devote ourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” [Colossians 4:2 NLT] During hard times, you and I can confidently turn to God in prayer, sharing our hurts, concerns, and fears. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and find true peace.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2. When we are experiencing a rough patch, spending time reading and meditating on the Word of God can help keep us afloat. Scripture offers us reassurance and encouragement as we let the promises of God resonate in our heart and mind.

Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

3. Furthermore, engaging in worship, whether through music, singing, or reflection, can help shift our focus from despair to hope.

Psalm 95:1-2 The Message

Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

4. During hard times, remember the times in the past when God came through. Remember the times in your life when God has been faithful. God doesn’t change. He was faithful then, He remains faithful today.

Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.

5. Taking solace in the company of others can help us make sense of the senseless. We live in a fallen world in which unfathomable things occur. Trustworthy friends can help us navigate treacherous waters.

Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

6. It may seem counterintuitive, but expressing gratitude amid difficult times provides us with a game-changing shift in perspective. Gratitude helps us persevere hardships.

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

7. Sometimes, taking time for quiet reflection and solitude can help you hear God’s voice when we need to hear it most. Jesus often withdrew to pray and be alone with the Father. Setting aside time for silence allows us to feel His presence more deeply.

Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

These are some practices that I know from experience help us draw closer to God and find the comfort our heart seeks during difficult times. The Lord cares for us and is always ready to us with provide solace and strength. We simply need to be willing to ask.

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

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The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

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