The Hard Stuff

Hard stuff is, well….. hard. There’s really no other way to put it.

Many of my dear friends are trudging through hard stuff right now.  Maybe you are, too.  Like wading through a ditch filled with waist deep mud, simply putting one foot in front of the other can seem exhausting during difficult seasons of life.  If you are trying to keep you footing right now, what you need is a big dose of encouragement.

And an even bigger dose of perspective.

I know.  I’ve been there.  We’ve all been there.

Perhaps you’re feeling so discouraged that you can’t even open your Bible, although you realize you probably should.  Today let me open the Bible for you.  Put your sweet little hands in mine and we’ll turn the pages of God’s truth together.  Let His words fall on your weary soul like rain falls on parched earth.

Let Him tell you what you need to hear.  Right now.  In this moment.  Lean into God and allow Him to whisper truths like….

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted….” (Psalm 34:18)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

 “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

“But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:33)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  (John 14:27)

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

Sadly, too many women deal with the hard stuff of life by turning to the “hard stuff” to dull the pain. But there’s a better way.  Cast your cares into the all mighty hands of God and depend upon Him.

Look again at His words above. Which of these truths speaks most to you today?  Take a moment, grab a pen and write it down, word for word.  Then let God and His personal promise carry you through your day.