Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A Word of Encouragement

The Lord longs to be gracious to you
He rises to show you compassion
Isaiah 30:18

God speaks the truth and He keeps His word. He never changes, so we can believe whatever He says, and know that He will never change or go back on His word.
Sometimes our life circumstances are so great, it feels as if the Lord is not there. It is easy to become disheartened, our soul become downcast because of expectations we’ve had that don’t seem to be materializing in the time frame we need them to.
Right now, many people are out of work because their employer has had to cut back. Many are finding it challenging to get into the job market because of the critical economic times we are experiencing.
Some are broken hearted. You’ve suffered a loss, a great disappointment and right now, it is easier to believe that He is not there because it looks and feels like He’s obviously disappeared, taken His hand off my life - everything is upside down and out of control.
I want to encourage you – God hasn’t left the scene. He isn’t oblivious to your situation. He is there! He is always there! He said that He will never leave you or forsake you. No matter what you’re feeling – discouragement, anxiety, panic, brokenhearted, abandoned. I’ll say it again – no matter what you’re feeling – HE IS THERE.
The verse in Isaiah 30:18 says,
”The Lord longs to be gracious to you
He rises to show you compassion.”
One night I was praying for someone who was experiencing intense grief, I saw, in my spirit, that the Lord was right there beside them. The person was huddled on a couch with their knees to their chest, in immense grief, feeling so alone, so helpless and hopeless. Yet, there was Jesus, standing right there beside them, ‘longing to be gracious to them’, and it was as if He would say, “I’m here…I’m right here…and I’ve got grace for YOU to take the next step.” He rises up to show you compassion – He stands up and stretches His hand to help you up. He’s right beside you, and He understands every detail about the situation you are dealing with. Often you don’t see Him and cannot receive His help because you don’t believe He is there.
I want to tell you – HE IS THERE! Don’t lose hope. Don’t let your circumstances overwhelm your soul. Fix your mind on the truth of God’s word that never changes. HE IS THERE and HE WILL HELP YOU. Look up, my friend. Look into His face and reach for His outstretched hand – and find grace to help in your day of trouble.
”The Lord longs to be gracious to you
He rises to show you compassion.”

2 comments:

Sidney Trobairitz Barthell said...

And truly, we experience Him most clearly when we are in need. Or I should say, His hand becomes apparent, even when we cannot feel his heart or see his face.

Hard times; our opportunity to shed excess baggage of one sort or another, and to focus on what is really important.

Unknown said...

INDEED! ...and for more encouragement, CLICK HERE!