Tag Archives: getting through hard times

Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield

Leave a reply

Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield title image

Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield

Throughout the Bible, scripture names many metaphors for God. Many of these relate to and tell us about his character. A large part of God’s character, as is true of any good parent, is a protector. Thus, one of the things that the Bible says is that the Lord is a shield.

A shield by definition is a defensive armor used to protect or defend a person. It can also act as a cover or barrier to hide a person or to cut them off from observation. In our lives, God can use this kind of protection to safeguard us from danger and attacks (spiritual or physical) or even discomfort, much like a shield could act as a barrier to offensive weapons. As a shield God can also provide us shelter or concealment from things that might otherwise have a negative effect on us, much like a shield can provide protection from the sun or heat or to hide one from predators.

Matthew Henry says of Psalm 3:3 that the Lord as a shield provides safety: “”Thou art a shield for me, a shield about me” (so some), “to secure me on all sides, since my enemies surrounded me.” Not only my shield (Gen. 15:1), which denotes an interest in the divine protection, but a shield for me, which denotes the present benefit and advantage of that protection.”[1]

Think about some of the areas where we might come under attack or require protection and be in need of a shield:

Our life/health (physical threats)

Our mind (emotional or mental threats)

Marriage

Our children

Other family

Relationships

Jobs

Property or personal belongings

Spiritual attacks

…to name a few

It’s comforting to know we have a shield around us protecting us on all sides

It should be comforting to us to know that the Lord is called our shield to protect us in areas and during times when we are vulnerable. He protects us because we are his own. It’s his nature. We can rest in knowing that we have someone that we can depend upon to protect, defend, and shelter us. We don’t have to do it alone. God will surround us as a shield to secure us on all sides, enclosing and encompassing us to keep us safe from diverse kinds of harm and destruction.

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” Exodus 13:21 (ESV)

“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them” Exodus 14:19 (ESV)

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.” Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)

“You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:5 (NLT)

“For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.” Psalm 34:7 (NLT)

“Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.” Psalm 125:2 (NLT)

“The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8 (NLT)

God will surround us as a shield to secure us on all sides, enclosing and encompassing us to keep us safe from diverse kinds of harm and destruction.

Click To Tweet

Let these verses be a reminder and a help to us that God is our shield and we have protection available!

Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield

Continue reading →

Scriptures and Encouragement For When You’re Feeling Crushed

Leave a reply

Scriptures and encouragement for when you're feeling crushed title image

Scriptures and Encouragement For When You’re Feeling Crushed

A few weeks ago, I posted about some analogies of the pressing of olive oil and the pressing of Jesus. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I encourage you to take some time to visit that post and read over some of the parallels and symbolism of the three phases of pressings. I think it can definitely give us encouragement and hope to remember that Jesus was crushed and pressed on our behalf, especially during times when we are feeling crushed ourselves.

Today, I’d like to share some scriptures that might offer some comfort and encouragement for when we are feeling crushed. Many offer reminders that we are not alone in these feelings, since others have experienced feeling crushed as well throughout scripture (Jesus included). Some of the verses remind us of God’s character, comfort, and rescue during times of feeling crushed. Other times we are reminded to rely on and surrender to God during these times and even to offer comfort to others who may be feeling crushed.

Be reminded of God’s character, comfort, and rescue during times of feeling crushed.

Click To Tweet

Scriptures for feeling crushed

“God, you are my righteousness, my Champion Defender. Answer me when I cry for help! Whenever I was in distress, you enlarged me. I’m being squeezed again—I need your kindness right away! Grant me your grace, hear my prayer, and set me free!” Psalms 4:1 (TPT)

“Many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to.” Psalms 9:9 (ERV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms 34:18 (NLT)

“I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. …Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.” Psalms 38:8, 21-22 (NLT)

“Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.” Psalm 69:20 (NLT) 

“Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.” Psalms 119:116 (NLT)

“The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly.” Psalm 146:8 (NLT)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

“The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?” Proverbs 18:14 (NLT)

“My heart is crushed, and I am trembling. Because of the LORD, because of his holy words, I am like a man who is drunk, someone who has had too much wine.” Jeremiah 23:9 (GNT)

“I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.” Ezekiel 34:16 (NKJV)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT)

“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 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. …For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17-18 (NLT)

“For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (BSB)

“And to you who are troubled rest with us…” 2 Thessalonians 1:7a (KJV)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

“Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).” Psalm 55:22 (AMPC)

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

“I am burdened and broken by this pain. When your miracle rescue comes to me, it will lift me to the highest place.” Psalms 69:29 (TPT)

“Oh, Lord God, answer my prayers! I need to see your tender kindness, your grace, your compassion, and your constant love. Just let me see your face, and turn your heart toward me. Come running quickly to your servant. In this deep distress, come and answer my prayer.” Psalms 69:16-17 (TPT)

“You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation.” Proverbs 3:25-26 (TPT)

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;” Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV) *See also Luke 4:18

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Jesus was crushed too Continue reading →

Choose Gratitude

Leave a reply

Choose Gratitude title image

Choose Gratitude

Sometimes the holidays can be a difficult time for people. It can feel like something to “get through” rather than something to enjoy. At times there are triggers that can keep us from loving and appreciating the holidays as much as we could. It’s in times like these that we have to make a choice to be grateful and find joy. We need to choose gratitude. I recently heard that gratitude and negative thoughts cannot function simultaneously.

I’ve written previously, that gratitude can affect our hearts and our perspectives. I’ve learned that obsessing and focusing on the negative will make me bitter. It can also cause a spiritual blockage which can in turn be offensive to others and to God.

However, when I can shift my mind from the negative things and intentionally focus on and choose gratitude, a positive internal shift happens. Looking back with gratitude and thankfulness can lighten the load and help things seem a little brighter and less dark. Additionally, choosing to see God’s provision can alleviate some frustration and discontent.

Gratitude affects our mental health & well-being

It should come as no surprise that gratitude is a crucial component of mental health and well-being.

Numerous studies have concluded that gratitude showed significant protection against and lowered levels of depression and anxiety.[1][2][3] One 2015 study indicated that “Gratitude is a protective factor against psychopathology not only due to its association with improved relationships with others, but also because it is connected to a less critical, less punishing, and more compassionate relationship with the self.”[4]

If we find ourselves dealing with difficult and negative thoughts and emotions, it’s a great time to shift our focus. It’s time to choose gratitude.

Gratitude and negative thoughts can’t coexist

Continue reading →

God Can Bring a “Resurrection” to our “Deaths”

Leave a reply

God can bring resurrection to our deaths title image

God Can Bring a “Resurrection” to our “Deaths”

Recently I heard Phil Wickham’s song “Sunday is Coming” which was released just before Easter this year. The song speaks the message that Jesus’ death is good because it’s followed by his resurrection (“Friday’s good cause Sunday is coming, Don’t lose hope cause Sunday is coming”[1]). The significance is that death wasn’t the end (“They laid Him down inside that grave, but that wasn’t the end…”[2].

It’s a perfect Easter song, but after hearing it, a couple of other situations came to mind that made me think of the song. A number of people I know are experiencing a variety of losses. The losses include things like the ending of a season of life, the ending of a long-term relationship, the loss of a job/home/friends, and a loss of dreams or what they had hoped for their future (in other words a loss of what could have been). I liken these losses to a “death” of sorts because we grieve these losses.

As I prayed for these losses or “deaths”, Phil Wickham’s song entered my thoughts. Having tremendous empathy, my heart was aching and grieving for what they must be going through. While praying for their comfort, peace, healing, and future a thought came to mind: “These ‘deaths’ are not the end. With God, there can be a resurrection of new things in their lives!”

In hopes that this analogy might be an encouragement to others, this post will share some of the spiritual insights of “deaths” followed by a “resurrection” (bearing in mind these are not literal deaths and literal resurrections but rather figurative).

Some deaths are followed by a glorious resurrection

On several previous occasions and even recently on a podcast, I’ve heard Pastor Willie George say that “Every death in Christ is followed by a glorious resurrection. God takes the things that we die to and resurrects them in power and holiness so that we do not lose what we present to Him!”[3] He’s taught before that when we have to give something up or lose something for the sake of Christ, God will bring about a resurrection in our life.

Pastor George gave some examples of sacrificing and giving up certain hobbies and things like hunting, hobbies when his kids were young in order to spend quality time with them and involve himself in their interests. He then stated how God paid him back even better later after his kids were grown and resurrected some of those dreams and hobbies. In fact, God restored his hobbies to life to the point where he’s even turned his love for the outdoors and hunting into a new ministry now—something even better than he could have originally dreamed.

Some “deaths” and sacrifices are good because there will be a resurrection to follow. Additionally, God may bring new life to something we’ve given up or lost in ways that are even better than we can ask or imagine.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Take up your cross

Continue reading →

Burdens and Loads

Leave a reply

Burdens and loads title image

Burdens and Loads

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” Galatians 6:1-5 (NKJV) [emphasis added]

Recently the topic of burdens and loads has come up in various settings as I’ve talked with people in my small group, friends, family, etc. Through some of our discussions, we’ve had conversations about the difference between burdens and loads. We’re told in Galatians 6 to bear one another’s burdens, but we’re also told to bear or carry our own load. So what’s the difference? Is this a contradiction?

There is a difference between the two. It’s not contradictory to say “help others” on one hand and then “carry your own” on the other hand. Fortunately, I’ve actually sat under some helpful teaching and have done some study on this topic. Since it’s resurfaced in recent conversations, I thought it would be a good topic to write about and share what I’ve learned.

There’s a difference between burdens and loads.

I think it would be good to start here by defining the difference between burdens and loads. Let’s look at the scriptural context here by going back to the original language.

Burdens

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

The word for “burdens” here is “baros” in the Greek language. This word was used to describe a heaviness, weight, or trouble throughout biblical text. In Strong’s definition (G922)[1] it’s defined as something that’s abundant or a burdensome weight. It carries the notion of going down or sinking. An analogy here might be a ship that is carrying so much excess cargo that it’s causing the ship to sink under the weight of it.

So by this definition, to bear another’s burden is to take some of the weight off so that they’re not “sinking” anymore. We would relieve them of some of the heaviness that they are carrying. By doing this, we are helping them with something that they cannot do on their own or do for themselves. It would include those who are weighed down with too much and need help. Burdens cannot be carried alone.

We all have burdens, but God does not intend for us to carry them alone.

Loads

“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV)

The word for “load” here is different than the one used for “burden” in verse 2. The Greek word used here is “phortion”. This word as described by Strong’s definition (G5413)[2] is an invoice (as part of a freight), a task, or a service. It would be something carried, as in the cargo or freight of a ship. Another example of a load is a responsibility.

Loads are an individual and independent responsibility and can be carried alone. We shouldn’t expect others to carry our “load”. Some things can and should be carried on our own.

I love how Sarah Geringer describes loads…

“We are responsible to carry our own loads, but not the loads that rightfully belong to others. It’s also not right to permit someone else to carry the load that belongs to you. Able-bodied and able-minded people are fully responsible to carry their own mental, physical, emotional, relational, vocational, and spiritual loads. That’s God’s design, both for our protection and enjoyment. …The load God assigns to you is just right for you, not too light or too heavy.”[3]

Help, don’t enable

Continue reading →

A Prayer for Strength

Leave a reply

A Prayer for Strength title image

A Prayer for Strength

Last week I shared some scriptures about the Lord is my strength. This week I’d like to share a prayer for strength. When we need strength or need strength renewed, we need to look to the Lord. Prayer is extremely powerful and produces results (James 5:16)! This prayer based on scriptures (listed below) will help us to rely on the Lord’s support and remind us that God will supply and renew our strength in times of need.

Here is a prayer for strength that you can pray:

A Prayer for Strength

Lord, I am in need of strength right now. I know that you are my strength and will help me in times of trouble and need and will teach me how to fight. You are the one who gives us strength. Strengthen me and supply me with the energy I need to face anything set before me. Please let your presence strengthen, encourage, restore, and support me. Hold me up and place me on a firm foundation. When I am tested, please give me the strength to endure it.

Empower me with inner strength and give me mental strength and ability. Give me the power and strength needed when I am weak and powerless. Renew my strength when I grow weary, tired, and exhausted. Help me not to rely on my own strength and attempt to do everything myself. Instead, help me to look to you for support. Help me to remember that when I am weak, you are strong and that I have access to your strength and power that will work through me.

Remind me that your power will give me the endurance, patience, and joy I need. I can be strong and courageous when I hope in you and give my cares, anxieties, and burdens to you. You will go before me and you will not fail me nor abandon me. You will guard me from evil. Help me to remember that you are faithful and that in quietness and confidence is my strength. Because of you, Lord, I will go from strength to strength, increasing in victorious power.

A Prayer for Strength prayer image

Scriptures this prayer was based upon:

Continue reading →

Scriptures About the Lord is My Strength

Leave a reply

Scriptures about the Lord is my strength title image

Scriptures About the Lord is My Strength

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 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 40:29-31 (NLT)

There are times in every Christian’s life when we feel weak, lacking strength, overwhelmed, tired, and/or depleted. We tend to exhaust everything we know to do in our own power. Therein lies the problem…“our own power”. We often try to do life on our own and don’t rely on God enough. There comes a point when our own efforts are not sufficient, and our own strength becomes exhausted. God wants us to know that and be confident to proclaim that “GOD IS MY STRENGTH”.

Some battles and things we face in life were never meant to be faced on our own. We NEVER win a spiritual battle with natural strength.

“…be strong IN THE LORD and IN HIS mighty power…” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) emphasis mine

There are scriptures that will remind us that we don’t need to rely on our own strength and attempt to do everything ourselves. Instead, we need to look to God for support. (See also this prayer for strength.)

When we need strength, or need strength renewed, we need to look to the Lord. These scriptures will remind us that God will supply and renew our strength in times of need. In fact, he IS our strength!

We never win a spiritual battle with natural strength. #TheLordisMyStrength

Click To Tweet

Scriptures About the Lord is My Strength:

Continue reading →

A God-Inspired Sabbath

2 Replies

A God-Inspired Sabbath title image

A God-Inspired Sabbath

There will be times in our lives where God leads us into a period of rest or a “Sabbath”. It may be taking a break from work or something that you do, a hobby, serving, or even a temporary break from a friendship or relationship. These times of rest are there to refresh and replenish you. They might also be there to create margin because God may foresee things coming up that you are getting ready to encounter. You might need extra time and energy in order to face them.

My recent God-inspired Sabbath

Over the last several months I’ve missed my writing, and I miss (and have sometimes felt a little guilt-ridden) about the consistency of new content on my site. Consistency, loyalty, and faithfulness are character traits that I have always valued and strived to achieve and demonstrate. Therefore, it’s been extremely difficult for me to feel like I’m not successfully living up to those traits in my writing over the past year.

Although, I do feel like God, in his kindness and divine foreknowledge kind of gave me a “heads up” that I was going to need to take a bit of a break, a “sabbatical” of sorts, from writing new content and spend some time recycling, updating, and reposting some of the older content on my site. I expected the break to only last for a few months, however, it ended up taking place over the entire year.

Seventh Year Sabbath from my writing

I decided to take a break from writing for my blog (or at least from writing a new post every week). It was a bit of a hard decision. I felt some guilt about it, like I was letting people down or letting God down. When I decided it just felt like I needed some rest, some time off because I couldn’t keep up the way and the pace that I wanted and had been doing. The word “sabbatical” came to mind which then caused me to think of “Sabbath” (aka…rest).

Something made me take a look at how long I had been writing on my blog, and coincidentally, I was just entering my seventh year. God reminded me of the times in scripture where he asked his people to let certain things have their “Sabbath” on the seventh year. He instructed them to let the land rest and not to plant new crops on the seventh year.

Seventh Year Sabbath in scripture

Continue reading →