strength

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Don’t Despair

Discouragement has set in. I have so much to be thankful for, but there are situations that are long term heartaches. One after another, they sap energy and joy. God reminds me daily that He is with me and I will see good even yet.

Psalm 27:13-14 reminds me…”I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”

My fallback prayer is…”Show me something good, I need to see something good.”

Days like this I wish I could talk to my Dad.

He grew up during the depression and served in WW II. He would be a wealth of encouragement. My memory of him was laughter and joy, but I know there were periods of deep sadness in his life as well. Sadness he never talked about or dwelt on. Day by day he was faithful to his faithful God. Day by day he got strength and joy from the God who is full of lovingkindness.

While cleaning out some drawers I ran across an old cassette tape with my Dad’s writing on it.  Finding a cassette player that worked was another challenge. I finally was able to hook up the tape deck to our stereo system. The first song I heard was him playing the violin. The song? “Jesus Took My Burden”. The words came back to me as I listened. Here are the words to the chorus.

Yes, Jesus took my burden I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden in answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided. My spirit was made strong.

For Jesus took my burden, and left me with a song.

My Dad died almost 34 years ago and yet here God was using him to encourage me today. Yes, God was again showing me something good, something very good. The example of a man who lived his life faithfully through good and bad, because He trusted His good God to be with him through it all.

So don’t despair. Life is hard. Troubles will come and go. Sometimes troubles will come to stay, but Jesus takes our burdens and gives us joy in the midst. The blessing of daily being able to lean on His strong arms is priceless.

“For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear I will help you’.   Isaiah 41:13

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Surviving Trouble

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A few years ago my family was going through an extended crisis.

My sister wrote the following letter to me on one of her handmade paper cards. I have kept it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care. I ran across it again this past week and wanted to share it with all of you that find yourselves in discouraging and/or impossible circumstances.  Now, a few words from my sister, Nancy.

“Dear Karen,

I’m writing to tell you that I am praying for the safety and well-being of you and your family. Today I was reading I Kings 18 & 19. Elijah had just defeated the 450 false prophets by calling down fire on his sacrifice. But then he got scared off by Jezebel and “ran for his life.” He was in the wilderness asking God to let him die. Did God give him a sermon? No. He sent an angel with fresh hot bread and a jar of water, and gave him a good sleep. Then the angel came a second time with food and drink. After that Elijah was able to go on in strength for 40 days and nights.

Karen, I am praying for those 40 days and nights for you.

Love, Nancy”

My family and I survived the crisis. It wasn’t easy, but as I look back the only explanation was that God helped us. God didn’t just give us strength for 40 days and nights, but God gave us strength for months that turned to years. He can do the same in your life.

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today. God sees and hears you. I pray you would receive the supernatural help you need each day you walk this path.

“’Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.

You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.

For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”

Isaiah 41:10-13(NASB)