In TImes of Struggle, Turn to God and Pray -- and Ask Others to Pray for You

"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalms 119:28


These are words of struggle. I don’t know if any of you reading this are in the midst of struggle, but there are many around you who are, you don’t have to look very far to find them. When it seems that the world is crushing in and there are simply too many, or too big of things to deal with, there is often the desire to run away, or retreat and hide- even from God, if it feels as though God is not listening or prayers are going unanswered.

This brings a physical and emotional exhaustion, but we have Hope. We have the promises of God delivered in the scriptures. Grab onto the prayer of Ps. 119:28 and ask to be strengthened by the Word of God. Look for the promises you find there and claim them in prayer. When you find the promises, there will be conditions- go to God in prayer asking how to meet them, that they can be real for you today.

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5.

God has a plan for your life, and that is a promise that you can pass along to others. As we read through Psalms together as a congregation, highlight or underline the verses that have special meaning for you. Copy promises to claim into a notebook or your prayer journal and lift them up. Take your troubles to the cross and leave them there- our Lord can identify with our suffering, and He will lift the burden from you. Give thanks.