The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
 he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. —Psalm 34:18

Where do you seek comfort when you find yourself in trouble? I’m not talking about trouble with authorities (you’ve just been caught speeding) or someone close to you (you’ve let that person down again). I’m talking about those situations that threaten you. You feel like you’re drowning in fear or grief or pain. Perhaps you allow emotions to take over, resulting in outbursts of anger that hurt those you love. Perhaps you do whatever is necessary to distract yourself and escape for just a little while—eating, shopping, or any number of other forms of running away. Perhaps your way of coping is to call that trusted friend who will listen for as long as you need her to and may even give you words of much-needed wisdom. Perhaps your tendency is to isolate, thinking you simply need to be alone to pull yourself together.

I have used all of these to find calm and solace in times of trouble. For years. While each one has brought some measure of comfort, I have also found each one lacking. They provide only temporary relief because they were never meant to satisfy and meet my deepest needs. I have (slowly) been learning that there is a better way.

Over the years, as I have spent time in God’s Word, the Bible, I see His character. Sometimes a verse speaks to a particular character trait of His. Sometimes it’s implied based on what He does or says. But over the years of learning who He is, I have also learned to rely on His traits when I am in trouble. Here are a few that have been life preservers in deep water when it feels like I am going under:

God is near.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. —Psalm 34:18

God satisfies.
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. —Psalm 107:9

God keeps His promises.
… Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed! —Joshua 23:14

God sustains.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. —Isaiah 46:4

God is sovereign.
The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. —Psalm 103:19

God gives rest.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28b

God is our fortress.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. —Psalm 18:2

God is powerful.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. —2 Peter 1:3a

God finishes what He begins.
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 1:6b

Which verse speaks to your heart today? Will you take a moment to sit quietly before God and filter your situation through these truths about Him? God wants us to know Him, and He has graciously given us His Word, so we can learn who He is. In our troubles, let’s set our minds on His character and open our hearts to the One who can meet our deepest needs. He is the One who loves us completely.

Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your voice calling out to me when I am at risk of being overwhelmed by life. Help me to engage my mind, to remember all You are, and run to You to meet my need. Thank You that You will answer. In the Name of Jesus, with steadfast hope, Amen.

(All scriptures are from the New Living Translation)

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,                                                       
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. (Psalm 90:14)                              

Judy Wilson

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

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