Times of discouragement are completely normal. God knew that we would struggle with disappointment, loss, and even feelings of isolation. He knew it. When I’m in the middle of it, I can’t help but cry out to Him to take the hurt. Take the tears. Take the broken pieces. I even beg Him to take the part of me that cares. And don’t forget to take the headache and puffy eyes that follow a night of crying.
I know… it’s a great way to open this week’s post, but it’s the one that flowed out of about half dozen posts that are in the works. Maybe someone out there needs to read it. Maybe it’s just a cleansing reminder for myself. God certainly knows what He’s doing.
God knew that we would have these moments. He knew that we would struggle in our relationships, in our planning for the future, and in dealing with loss. He knew that we would struggle with feelings of inadequacy, the fall-out of failure, and the hope that seems to be dashed on a regular basis. The demons of the past that plague us… and the basic attacks of the enemy.
Can you relate? Have you ever experienced a loss? A disappointment? Have you ever been let down? Have you ever come to the end of yourself and found yourself lacking? Does it seem as though you’re suffering blow after blow?
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV
The world and every person in it will let us down. But not God. He’s chosen us. He knows everything we’ve done and every thought we’ve had, but He will not reject us. This beautiful fact came into crystal clear view when I heard a pastor say that I’m defined by my nature in Christ and not by the deeds of my flesh. Again, the world and every person in it will let us down, but not God. He will not reject us. If we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He will not reject us because He will not reject Christ.
In every passage of scripture that God has breathed to comfort us in these times of struggle, He starts out by reminding us of His presence. That’s where our comfort begins. Do not fear, for I am with you… He is with us. I am with you… I will be with you…
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV
This verse doesn’t say if trouble comes. No, it says when. And God tells us that He will be with us. Most would stop with that assurance, but not God. He always goes above and beyond. Not only do we have the promise that He will be with us in those times – the ugly crying over the brokenness we can’t seem to sort out – but we’re promised victory because He’s with us.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you might recall that I used to hate Psalm 23. Hate might be too strong a word to describe what my feelings were for this passage – I was merely bored with it… uninspired by it (Then I Found Grace is the post in case you missed it). It’s impossible to say that anymore because I keep finding something new.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
There’s nothing I lack – I have unlimited access to the Creator of the universe – how could any believer think they lack anything! Even the waters are quiet – quiet sounds really nice when you’re an overstimulated homeschool mom. My soul is refreshed – that’s referring to our mind, will, and emotions – ugly tears, go away! But then we come to a dark valley.
Reminds me of being at the store after dark… alone. I’m strategic where I park (near the door and by a light), and I keep my head on a swivel with keys in hand before walking out to the parking lot. Why? Because darkness holds danger. Just like dark alleys are avoided because they hold potential danger more than well-lit sidewalks.
But I don’t have to fear any type of evil thing because God is with me. While it says that God’s rod and staff comfort me, they actually don’t. It’s not the rod and the staff that bring comfort – it’s the fact that they’re in the hands of my Shepherd that offers me comfort. He’s the one wielding them. And no matter what valley of darkness I’m in – struggles, failures, losses, disappointments, and discouragements – He’s present.
My comfort isn’t tied to my abilities or sound reasoning. When emotions are involved, who has sound reasoning? And if my abilities were enough, then the cross was a waste. No, my comfort is tied directly to the character of God. He already proved Himself when He laid down His life for mine.
If you’re going through one of those dark valleys – you’re hurting, struggling with discouragement, you’ve suffered a loss, feeling isolated in your pain and you feel like there’s no one to talk to – God is always present and always listening. He’s promised to never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6+8, Hebrews 13:5). He knows your hurts and cares deeply about the tears that fall (Psalm 56:8).
And when we lean into Him, we’ll find the only comfort that will never fail us. Lean in and see God part those waters, keep the flames at bay, and guide us safely through the darkest valley. He’ll take our broken pieces and make them into something beautiful.