comfort

What Remains

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already read too many articles about the era of history unfolding before us. It’s a strange time to live, and it came so suddenly upon us, I think most of us are still reeling from the changes that this virus, the lockdowns, and just the fear have brought to the world. That’s the thing though, right? This concerns the entire world. I know I’m young(ish), but I don’t recall any single event affecting the entire world so abruptly and at the same time.

We’re all realizing how connected we all are. If such a terrible thing like this virus can spread so quickly from person to person across the globe, then so can a wondrous thing like love, kindness, compassion, and hope. What if, when you serve your neighbor, that joyful servitude spreads, infectious with love, to a child in Japan within a month or two? We usually never know because the CDC doesn’t report spreading acts of compassion, we don’t pause our daily lives for the bellies filled or the smiles created, and we don’t have world-wide counts on the re-born rates of children of God.

I lay in my hammock yesterday realizing something about all of this. I’ve never felt more like a child since I was an actual child. It’s a weird thing to feel, now, during all of this. I used to play all day, from sunrise to sunset if I could, outside, barefoot and dirty. Now, when I step outside I notice that the world of nature hasn’t changed in the face of the news. The birds still sing over the warmer weather. The flowers have been blooming, bringing the joyful buzz of bees. Some days it rains, and the smell brings me back to memories of sitting on my parent’s porch with the wind chimes ringing in the storms.

I always feel closer to God when in nature. When I’m inside, I feel Him too, but I’m distracted by all the man-made stuff, chattering TV, the chores left to do. When I’m outside, I sense Him in His creation, things going on as they have been when He set them in motion. He can be seen in His creation, too. His hope in reflected in the erupting colors of spring, His calm in the gentle, warm breeze. You can feel how solid He is if you stand, barefoot, on the soil and watch His smile in the cotton clouds above.

I guess I’m writing this to tell you that we’re all feeling super complex feelings about this. It’s temporary; this will pass, but difficult times always feel like they’ll last forever. We’re all grieving the loss of control we thought we had over our lives. We’re all anxious sometimes of what tomorrow will bring. The emotions sometimes hit me out of nowhere. You’re not alone; but you’re probably just realizing this more than ever. Everything you do affects the whole world, at some point. We’ve never been in control. God has been this whole time, still is, and He is calm, hopeful, loving, and reaching out to you whatever you’re feeling. Even if all else fell away, He would remain.

Maybe step outside, take your shoes off to feel the ground beneath your feet, and speak to Him.

God bless!

The World’s Afraid to Die

/ EloquentMuse / 1 Comment
Photo by Ian Panelo on Pexels.com

It’s on every corner of the internet, TV, radio, podcast, heck even my Bible app was asking me to wash my hands today… the Coronavirus. I remember when I was a child, everyone talking about mad cow disease, Y2K and the strange weather patterns they called El Nino. As I grew older, the world was discussing bird flu, SARs, gosh I can’t remember the names of all the scary new sicknesses through the years.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.

John 14:27

I’m not really here to tell you not to be afraid. God is. However, fear can be motivator for action. Maybe we need to know that we aren’t invincible sometimes. Maybe we need reminders that our old, sick, and vulnerable are not being taken care of as well as they should. There’s really no need for worry of the future or whether you and your loved ones will get sick or how this sickness will progress as we learn more about it. Your worry will do nothing. However, if you use the scariness of the situation to pull you into the thick of loving others, if it makes you aware that the world is afraid and many are drowning in storms on a sea of hopelessness without a rock to stand, then maybe all this can be made purposeful.

I was going to repeat my post called “Fear is a Liar,” and you can read that too as it could apply as well in some ways. Yet, I didn’t think it really encompassed this sort of situation where there is a fear about a real and present danger.

If you’re younger than 80 and in fairly good health, you’ll probably be fine and suffer no worse than you would with a flu, according to various sources. But, what if you are older, have bad health, or, like most of us, have loved ones that could be vulnerable? You need to know you have the Rock of Yahweh. He’s here today, like He was here yesterday, and will be here tomorrow. In fact, He exists outside of time itself, so He’s already there in tomorrow before you.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you where you go.

Joshua 1:9

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

There are those of us who have already been affected either ourselves, our loved ones, or simply being quarantined and locked down, our normal lives disrupted. I want you to know that God is by your side, arm around your back, waiting for you to speak to Him your fears, to let Him handle them, so you can be the disciple and priest (all Children of God are His priests!) who loves others and brings them hope and comfort.

You were made for such times as this. It’s no accident you were born in the period you were, so rise, rise up on the faith and hope of God. With Him, you are enough to walk through this fire of fear and chaos on behalf of the many who cannot.

The world needs you because there are many who are unbelievers or are weak of faith, and they are awash in this storm. Stand on the Rock, and call them to the firm place beside you.

God bless! May He heal, comfort, and protect you all.

Fear is a Liar

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I confess that I once believed fear and the things it would tell me in the darkness.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

It says “do not fear” hundreds of times in the Bible, one of God’s most frequently repeated commands.

Almost every person spoken of in the Bible faced terrible fear, and it’s very possible even Jesus was overwhelmed with this feeling in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

When Jesus says that He is troubled, that is the Greek word ἀδημονέω, which can be translated as heavy, feel fear, or lack courage.

Why would the Bible say multiple times that we should not fear, and then show Jesus, a perfect being, as fearful? Well, probably it’s because God understands that most of us will be afraid when facing pain or possible death. The point is not let fear determine our actions nor let it incapacitate us. Jesus showed us what to do when afraid. He turned to the Father and prayed, nonstop. He asked for companionship with fellow believers. Sometimes, though, we are alone in our darkest hour, like Jesus was, and others don’t stand by our side. In that case, let there be no doubt that we need no companionship more than the one with Father God. He will never leave your side.

“Do not fear” is not a command to switch our fears off like a light switch, which is impossible. It’s a comforting phrase to remind us that God is in control always.

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

When, not if, I am afraid, I will trust you God. All of us will be afraid at some point. What will you do with it?

Fear is spoken of often in the Word because it is a universal spiritual battle.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is not from God. It has touched us all in some form, and it is very powerful. However, it’s important to remember that God is more powerful, and with God, you are more powerful.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

We could go on all day with these verses, but I think you get the point. Let me tell you a more personal story.

I’ve dealt with anxiety all my life. I didn’t always understand why I would feel so uncomfortable going to the store or going to tae kwon do classes I’d been going to for years. I didn’t always get that my chronic nightmares were a product of unrecognized emotions. I just avoided things that made it happen when I could. One night as a child, God planted a seed in me that I needed later.

I was relaxing in my safe bedroom when I became unreasonably afraid. Now that I look back, I’m not sure if I just got the creeps for some reason or if it was an anxiety attack. All I know is that I went on high alert, and I couldn’t move from my spot to tell anyone. All I could do was whisper to God from underneath my blankets. So, I did, and I sang to Him for at least an hour.

Slowly at first, the invisible claws that squeezed my heart in fear released until they disappeared. When I say I became unafraid that night, I don’t mean that I simply felt normal again. I felt so without fear, brave, confident in my safety that I was literally smiling as I finally fell asleep.

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.
“It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out,
“Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.
“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying,
“Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

Note that Peter said, “tell me to come to you on the water.” He asked for God to help him face his fear. He wanted to experience the fear with God at his side.

Anytime I’ve felt afraid again or anxious in anyway, I try to make it a point to face the fear. Sometimes, I’m unsuccessful. However, I know that the feeling can be overcome with God’s strength, so I pray to myself or aloud in that moment.

Never let fear be the reason you do or don’t do something. Be smart. The emotion is there as a warning signal that there “might” be danger. Don’t walk into a fire or jump off a building because you aren’t acting on fear, obviously. However, if you feel fear when the future is uncertain, don’t act on that fear. The fear will build a wall to block life out. Tear down those bricks; hide under a blanket and say a prayer. Focus your sights on God. Then, come on out and face the world.

God’s got you.

*This article is dedicated to Erin Vincent, a friend who is currently undergoing her own “walk on water” situation.*

Sources other than the Bible:
https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/christian-trends/what-gideon-in-the-bible-can-teach-you-about-overcoming-fear.html
https://biblicalwoman.com/overcoming-stronghold-fear/
https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/debbie-mcdaniel/33-verses-to-remind-us–we-do-not-have-to-fear.html

Father’s Day with God

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Tomorrow is Father’s Day, which depending on who you are and what your relationship is with your own father, may conjure up a lot of mixed feelings. Although I’ve personally been blessed with a loving relationship with my dad, not everyone has. There are people with rocky connections, others who have lost their dads, and still others who don’t even know who that man might be. Where ever you may fall in this continuum, God has a message for you.

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15

The Greek word for “adoption to sonship” is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. That means you are utterly His child in every way. This isn’t limited to males, just to be clear. It could just as well say “daughtership,” but in the time the Bible was written, that wouldn’t have given the child heirship to the father’s legacy. This means everyone, male and female, inherits the Kingdom of God as His children. He loves you too much to give you any less.

“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:1-7

God, the Father, sent His only begotten Son to die for us so we could claim Him as our dad, too. There are many instances of God being referred to as a father, such as when Jesus was alone and afraid the day before His crucifixion.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

One source states “Abba is a transliteration of the Aramaic used to address God in a relation of personal intimacy. It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence.” Consider when Jesus spoke of asking for what you need from God:

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:10

However, God is not a gender and can not be limited to being a father only. He is also referred to as a mother of His children.

“But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.'” Isaiah 49:14-16

How about when Jesus speaks of all the times He’s sent people to guide us, and we weren’t listening?

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ” Luke 13:34

The image of a father traditionally holds him to be the strength and backbone of a family while the mother is typically shown to be the nurturing and comforting one. While us humans fail in many ways, even in parenting, God never fails, and He could be looked at for parenting advice. See how He corrects, guides, and comforts us? He uses few words and lots of love. My favorite verse comparing God to a parent is the parable of the Prodigal Son.

“Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:11-24

Notice that the one son was allowed the freedom to mess up. When he returned, it wasn’t really because he felt guilty about doing wrong (at least from what we’re told). He was just tired of being alone, starving, and uncomfortable. He realized his father’s house was amazing, and he’d taken that life for granted.

When he returned, he did what many of us do when dreading a conversation. He prepared his words carefully. However, his father didn’t hear a word of what his son had prepared. He never thought twice about why his son had returned. He didn’t care. He was just too overjoyed that he’d returned safely, and he ran to his son, embraced him with affection and instant forgiveness.

That father is God and that son is you, His child.

So, however Father’s Day makes you feel this year and whatever relationship (or lack thereof) you may have with your earthly father, God is the truest father, and He is yours. He runs to you daily, embracing you, being your strength, your comfort, and all He wants in return is love. And if your earthly father is no longer in this world, remember God is His father too, and believe me, He’s giving him affection and joy as we speak.

May you all have a good Father’s Day, and don’t forget to send a Happy Father’s Day to your Father, God.

Sources other than Bible: biblegateway, biblestudytools

Anxiety & Depression: It’s Ok to NOT Be Ok

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

In the ebb and flow of life, there are times and situations where we all fall into despair or pull our hair in anxiety. It’s a normal reaction to the darkness of the world. This is not our final destination, this is not our true home, and we are surviving in the acidic environment of humanity’s many downfalls. The above verse helped me through many times and continues to do so, which is why I posted it in its entirety.

There are also those of us who have “imbalances” in our body chemistry that causes higher levels of worry, fear, and depression even during times of relative calm. I firmly believe that these are the attributes of those people with higher levels of empathy and soulful connection to others in ways we don’t yet understand.

Either because of circumstances or the make of their bodies, there have been innumerable Biblical characters who’ve shared in their fair share of the darkest valleys. Every time, there’s been a repeated message from God.

Elijah:

“He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.'” 1 Kings 19:4

He ran away from Jezebel and her threats of death, tired and afraid for his life. Though he fled despite God’s instructions, God showed up with a gentle heart. He first sent an angel who laid down sustenance for him. This is when God tells him to wait for him on the mountain.

“Then, a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?'” 1Kings 19:11-13

God was in the soft whisper, always by Elijah’s side no matter what his state of mind.

Jonah:

“Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live…I am angry enough to die.” Jonah 4:3-9

Instead of rejoicing at the people’s turn around at his prophecy, he despaired that he would no longer be considered a true prophet since his prophecy didn’t come true. Despite his obstinate behavior, God showed up with a gentle heart.

“There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.” Jonah 4:5-6

God also used the plant to give Jonah a message on anger, but He’d stayed by Jonah’s side through the good and bad times.

Moses:

He killed an Egyptian without due process and fled for his life for forty years. When God showed up in a burning bush, Moses seemed to find himself unworthy based on past failures, and God never stated he was worthy. This is important to remember.

“But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Exodus 4:1-14

It was through Moses’ weaknesses not his strengths, that God would show His grace and power. Again, after the Israelites were wailing over their hunger, Moses stated:

“I am not able to bear all these people alone. The burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now if I have found favor in Your sight and do not let me see my wretchedness!” Numbers 11:10-15

These are the words of a man in despair. Yet, God showed up with a gentle heart.

“I will take some of the power of the spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:17

Moses is still ranting and ruminating on his problems when God cuts in.

“Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23

So, He got a little snarky with Moses (which is hilarious to me), but He was always there for Moses and ready to lift his troubles. All Moses had to do was ask. What’s equally memorable about this and the others who yell and rave at God is that He is always listening with patience and never do I find Him getting angry just because they are upset. He understands and wants them to pour their heart out, even if it’s anger toward Him.

Job:

Ah, yes, good ol’ Job. We can’t speak on anxiety and depression without mentioning him.

“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11

“I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:26

“I loathe my very life, therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in then bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1

“Terrors overwhelm me… my life ebbs away, days of suffering grip me. Night pierces my bones, my gnawing pains never rest.” Job 30:15-17

His book is a plethora of depression and anxiety and no wonder as everything and everyone had been taken from him, except his wife. Yet, he blames God for all this. God shows up in full effect, and honestly, you need to read the full reply to understand how awesome it really is.

” Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
‘Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?

…Surely you know, for you were already born!
You have lived so many years!

…Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.'” Job 38-44

Yet, He, again, shows up with a gentle yet stern heart. He sets the record straight and good thing, since He’s the only One who can set Job’s life right again, which He certainly does.

David:

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

David lost both of his sons, Saul was forever chasing him, and he had guilt of sin that tormented him. He asks a controversial question, “Why have you forgotten (or forsaken) me?” (Psalm 42:9).

Again, God steps in with a gentle heart. The fact is, God considered David a “man after my own heart.” Do you really think He forsook him? God says, “My love will never be taken away from him.” (2 Samuel 7:15)

God established David as king of Israel and promised him that his kingdom would endure forever. (Some claim Queen Elizabeth and her family are direct descendants of David, but that is a controversial subject.) Point is, God would not only be by David’s side forever but also by all of his descendants.

Jesus:

Yep, Jesus.

David’s Psalm 42 is nearly identical to Psalm 22 that was spoken by Jesus on the cross.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1

This is said by Jesus while in agony on the cross; dying for our sins, He stood for all of us sinners feeling lost and abandoned. There is an answer to that question.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Just because you can’t see God in the darkness doesn’t mean He isn’t there. In fact, Jesus says this:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus, he is described as “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Is. 53:3

The night before He was captured, when no one else but Him knew what the next day would entail, Jesus was understandably upset.

“‘My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death, remain here and keep watch.’ and He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for You, remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.’ then, an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44

What’s sad is that although He’d been there for us all through our tribulations again and again, as documented in the Bible, His disciples could not even keep their eyes open to comfort Him in His distress. Yet, He wasn’t alone. The Father and the angels He sent were there for Him.

Here are some other times God reminds us that He will always be there, even through our darkest days:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

God reminds us that through doing our purpose in life, loving and caring for others, our spirits will lift as well:

“’Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday… then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’ The mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 58:1-14

Please remember, dear soul, whatever you’re going through that God is with you even if you can’t see Him. Forget that old saying, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” It’s a lie. God never tests you nor gives you evil, but the dark world will definitely give you more than you can handle alone. That is when you need to lean on the One who can handle anything. Give it to HIM. In the same way God wanted to show His grace and power through Moses’ weaknesses, He wants to show the same through yours. Don’t hold the world on your shoulders. You weren’t made that way. God made the world, however, so He can lift your worries while sustaining you in ways you never knew you needed. Be still and listen to that gentle whisper because there is God, forever by your side.