Hope in the Hard

“The practice of lament—the kind that is biblical, honest, and redemptive—is not as natural for us, because every lament is a prayer. A statement of faith. Lament is the honest cry of a hurting heart wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness.”  ~ Mark Vroegop

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

– Micah 7:7 NIV

God is good even in the hardness of life. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, separated from his family for many years. He was accused and imprisoned for something he didn’t do. Yet God was with him and gave him abilities that placed him as the second in command in Egypt, a position where he would eventually save his family from starvation. (See Genesis chapters 37-50.)

God is with you in the hard times refining you and beckoning you closer to Him.

You can trust God has you where you need to be. You can trust He will draw near to you as you draw near to Him (James 4:8). He will carry you through as you cry out to Him and focus on who He is. You will endure to victory, even if it doesn’t look how you thought it would.

You can have hope during challenging times by:

• Surrendering your plans to God and trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• Praying, casting your care on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
• Recounting who God is and what you know to be true of Him (Psalm 46:1-2).
• Asking Him for wisdom without doubting (James 1:5-6).
• Doing the next thing God has put before you, without being paralyzed by fear and unworthiness (Colossians 3:23-24).

Today’s One Thing

A prayer you can pray: “Father, I look to You, for You are my salvation. I trust You, my refuge and strength. I surrender all that concerns me and will watch for your deliverance. Amen.”

Go Deeper

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email