Maybe you have found yourself (like me) feeling daunted by all of the change that
has occurred - in daily life, in our country, in the world. It is a LOT to comprehend
and try to deal with! If I’m honest, even on my very best days, pre-covid, just
normal circumstances, I had plenty of struggles within myself, and I am still
learning to ask the Holy Spirit for His help each day!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the
power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13
It can sometimes feel impossible to me to try to find joy and/or peace during
tough times. I struggle greatly with this; it’s easy for me to be overwhelmed by
hardship or feelings of helplessness. Do you ever feel that way?
But I have felt God trying to reassure me that joy and peace come from hope in
Him. There is HOPE to be found through our faith in Him! Our daily
circumstances affect us greatly, there is no way for them not to. But there is so
much to be gained in knowing our Savior and knowing that He loves us – that He
is victorious – that He is our Helper and Friend. He walks through life with us!
It may seem basic, but this is something that I have to remind myself of over and
over and over again. I need daily reminders to look to Jesus. Daily time in the
Word is something I strive for, and I am trying to keep up with the One Year Bible
this year. I’m so grateful for our pastors who teach from the Bible each week and
help me to better understand it. And when I’m willing to share my struggles with
others, often we’ll have some common ground and are able to encourage each
other with a fresh perspective. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the
countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
I pray you find great HOPE in the Lord today!
Mary Venable
Do you struggle with finding hope/joy/peace in your daily circumstances? How
can I pray for you? Please feel free to respond...