Feeling Troubled?

When I think of all the battles I've encountered and all the ones still ahead, I take comfort in Psalm 34:15-19; "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (NIV)

So how about it "righteous man", "righteous woman", feel as though you have many troubles?

Maybe you're like me and you don't feel so "righteous"...BUT...we must remember...we aren't made righteous because of who we are or even by what we do...we are made righteous because of WHO JESUS IS and because, by faith, we accepted WHAT HE DID for us!

Be encouraged today dear friend...you are not alone! God is a MIRACLE WORKING GOD. He empowered David to slay Goliath. He protected Daniel in the Lion's Den. He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo from the fiery furnace. And Scripture promises us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb 13:8, NIV) And HE encourages us to call upon Him in our troubles and that He will deliver  us. (Ps 50:15, NIV)

So, are your bills mounting up? Need a job? God will provide! He sustained the Israelites in the desert, providing food, clothing, and delivering them from their enemies...He sent ravens to feed Elijah during the drought. And today, He whispers that we have value. Luke 12:6-7 says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. " (NIV) You may feel insignificant...but KNOW THIS...GOD SEES YOU and HE HAS LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE. He created you and designed you for a specific task.

Maybe your marriage or relationships are struggling? God restores! If he can reconcile us to Himself...surely He can reconcile us to one another! John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV) God desires to give you a life of joy, peace, and fullness. Cry out to Him. He hears you. He saves that which was lost!

Are you feeling alone? "God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Heb 13:5-6, NIV) Friend, GOD LOVES YOU! He has not and will NOT abandon you. Call out to Him and remember... Regardless, of your "Battles"...Regardless of your "Troubles"..."A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all". (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, as we begin a new week, we ask that Your Presence would guide us, keep us, sustain us, and EMPOWER us to live life abundantly! Comfort us. Shield us. Deliver us. And fill us with more of YOU! In Jesus name, amen!