Apples of Gold

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Is it just me or have things seemed to be spiraling out of control lately? So many are dealing with extreme difficulties right at this very moment.  I have never ventured into the camp of those who teach that true faith in God will allow you to escape the trials of life-I cannot even begin to reconcile that teaching with the written Word of God, or with the experience of serious followers of Jesus from the time of the Apostles up to this present time.  Struggles are a part of this life. I don’t know about you, but I could use a minute to catch my breath amidst the fray!

 In times like these we need to stop and remind ourselves who really is in control of everything and renew our determination to stand strong and hold on tight. 

David, a man after God’s own heart, showed us a powerful pattern to escape from the grip of fear and discouragement. He started many Psalms with his chin in the dust, bemoaning the battle he was facing but he didn’t stay there. He would begin to “encourage himself in the Lord” by reminding himself of the things God has brought him through. By the end of the Psalm he was shouting praise to the Almighty God. 

In times of distress, I turn to the Word. 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

The right verse at the right time, can dispel doubt and discouragement and replace them with hope and joy. 

Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken at the proper time. Proverbs 25:11

Nothing drives fear and dread away quicker than meditating on scriptures that remind us that no matter what we find ourselves in the middle of; God is enough:

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Psalm 63:7-8

But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:17-19

He hears us!

He helps us!

He has us!

So chin up! God wasn’t surprised by what you are facing. He is not scrambling to come up with a solution to your problem. He has promised to strengthen and help you, to rescue you.

Because God is enough-you are enough.

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on your own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 

Perhaps you have found yourself wavering in this battle. Your tongue might have done serious damage to others. You might be cringing at your unspoken thoughts. Maybe your wrestling match with doubt was frighteningly close. Take heart:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time-to show us this grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

So if you have had enough, remember He is enough and because of that you are enough!