Encouragement to Press On ⁽¹⁹⁾

Why Are You Downcast, My Soul? "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God." — Psalm 42:5 (NIV) The psalmist interrogates his own soul. He does…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Isaiah 41:13 "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 (NIV) You feel as if you are facing this alone, but this verse says you…