September 28, 2020
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”—Psalm 32:71
When you see, read, and hear about pain and suffering around you, it’s easy to question why I allow such troubles in the world. Do I care? Yes, I do! My heart breaks for those who suffer, especially for those who lose loved ones or livelihood or their own health and happiness or are victims of man’s inhumanity to man. I am deeply saddened when I see these things happening in the world today.
It is only natural to question: “Why, then, don’t You put an end to all that evil now?” As much as I abhor evil, people were purposefully created with free will, and people must be allowed to exercise that free will to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, and self and others until My return when all will be made right in the end. It takes faith to believe and trust that all will be set right in the end, because I am both loving and just.
If you reflect on My great men and women who have gone before you—such as those listed in Hebrews 11—you will note how each lived for Me and accomplished great things in My name. Although they didn’t receive all that I had promised them during their time on earth, their faith didn’t fail, and because of that, they went on to receive their eternal rewards.2
Are you facing a crisis or time of trouble where you wonder if I’ll ever come through for you? Think on that great cloud of witnesses in the Bible, and meditate on what advice they’d give you. Let your spirit be refueled by their example, and let your mind be set at rest by their fortitude. Just as I came through for them, I will never fail to come through for you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:6–73
The world presents you with a multitude of anxieties—too numerous for you to count. Everywhere you turn, you see problems and trouble. In the midst of this mess, look to Me for help. Whisper My Name, “Jesus,” thus reactivating your awareness of My Presence.
Your perspective changes dramatically as My Presence comes onto the screen of your consciousness, lighting up your worldview. My comforts can soothe your troubled heart and delight your soul.
If the world were perfect, you would never experience the pleasure of receiving comfort from Me. Instead of letting problems discourage you, use them as reminders to seek Me—My Presence, My Peace, My Love. These invisible realities are available to you any time, any place, and they provide Joy that no one can take away from you. So come to Me when you are weary and burdened; I will provide rest for your soul.
I watch over all who love Me. Let this promise of My watch-care comfort you—especially during difficult days. This promise is for you because you love Me. Of course, it is not a matter of earning My protection by loving Me. However, those who belong to Me—and are under My watchful care—are the ones who love Me. This is a response to what I have done: You love Me because I first loved you.
In times of extreme danger and destruction, even courageous adults sometimes cry out for their parents’ help. This is an instinctive response, flowing out of childhood memories. When people are afraid, they long to feel protected by someone who is bigger and stronger. Be assured that I am always watching over you—like a shepherd watching over his flock.
Sometimes you may feel alone and unprotected. The remedy is to trust that I am with you and to start communicating with Me—pouring out your heart. Expressing yourself freely to Me will help you become aware of My watchful, loving Presence.4
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”—John 16:335
You know from My Word that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to My purposes. I gave that promise as a safeguard to My children who love Me.
In this world there will be trouble, tribulation, injustice and pain, but I have the power to work even the most trying or devastating circumstances for your good. No matter what mess or tribulation you find yourself in, as a child of God, you can trust that I am able to work all things together for your good.
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”—Psalm 62:86
My love for you is so great! My arms are always and continually outstretched toward you. Even if everything and everyone else in life fails you, I will always be here for you. These light troubles are but for a moment, and then My eternal glory will far outweigh them all, and My love will be perfected in you.7 Your face will shine like the sun and My love will be all-encompassing!
Remember that no matter what happens or what challenges you face in life, you are My child and I am with you always. I don’t ever leave you. I don’t ever forsake you. Though others may fail, I won’t fail you.
I wish for you to be comforted in Me and in My love and care for you. Remember all the blessings that I give you throughout your life and thank Me for each and every one. You will see how I have comforted you and been with you in so many ways.
In this time of crisis and need, I wish to draw you closer to My heart. Trust that I will bring you through this time. I will not stop halfway and leave you by the wayside. My love will carry you all the way through to the very end.
When you feel weak, I will be strong for you. When you feel confusion, I will give you peace. When you feel fearful, I will comfort your heart. When you are doubting, I will give you faith. When you feel strain, I will bring relief. When you feel lost, I will help you find your way.
When you feel useless, I will give you a purpose. When you feel anguish, I will give you joy. When you lack confidence, I will be your assurance. When you feel muddled and cloudy, I will give you clarity of thought. When all seems dark and stormy, I will be your shining light.
Anywhere, any time, any hour, every minute, each moment of the day or night I will be with you.
Published on Anchor September 2020. Read by Simon Peterson.
Music by Michael Dooley.
1 NIV.
2 Hebrews 11.
3 NIV.
4 Sarah Young, Jesus Today (Thomas Nelson, 2012).
5 NIV.
6 NKJV.
7 2 Corinthians 4:17.
Copyright © 2024 The Family International