Words and truths that steady you in hardship and strengthen resolve to continue in faith.
God Sets the Lonely in Families "God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." — Psalm 68:6 (NIV) Loneliness in grief is not a sign of abandonment. It is a sign that…
Continue reading...When bad choices have led to isolation and exclusion There is a loneliness that arrives uninvited, born of circumstances beyond your control: the death of a spouse, an illness that isolates, a move that uproots. That loneliness is real, and it deserves compassion. However, there…
Continue reading...I Will Sustain You "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." — Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) Chronic…
Continue reading...No Magic Bullets There are no magic bullets. No quick fixes for grief, no secret formulas that banish anxiety. If only there were, I'd buy them in bulk. The truth is, even though I practise what I preach, I still struggle. I still find myself…
Continue reading...2 Corinthians 4:16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV) Paul does not hide the reality of decline. Outwardly, life breaks down. Bodies weaken, strength fades,…
Continue reading...Isaiah 57:15 "For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the…
Continue reading...Psalm 61:2 "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." — Psalm 61:2 (NIV) There are days when strength runs out and the heart feels thin.
Continue reading...Jeremiah 20:7 "You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me." — Jeremiah 20:7 (NIV) Jeremiah accuses God of tricking him. He feels cornered, overpowered, and humiliated for doing the very work…
Continue reading...Psalm 73:2–3 "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." — Psalm 73:2–3 (NIV) Asaph admits envy. He looks at arrogant people who thrive while…
Continue reading...Job 10:1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul." — Job 10:1 (NIV) Job does not sugarcoat his misery. He says outright that he hates life and that he…
Continue reading...Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." — Micah 7:18 (NIV) Deep hurt can harden into resentment. The mind replays…
Continue reading...Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." — Psalm 34:4 (NIV) Fear narrows vision. It magnifies threats and minimises hope. Yet Psalm 34:4 offers a testimony that breaks the grip of fear. The psalmist does…
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