When the going gets tough... what next?

September 3rd, 2024
by Mark Green

How can one be encouraged when times are not encouraging?

We’ve all been there. Life throws those “left hooks out of nowhere,” and times get profoundly difficult. How are we supposed to handle life when it hits us so hard?

God has a word for us when times are tough. A Word that is thousands of years old yet as timely as ever. It is Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

The Psalmist vividly portrays a world in chaos, where everything seems to be falling apart. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, there is a call to be still, to know that God is in control. In some translations, the comforting phrase is translated as “Cease striving and know that I am God.”

That is a beautiful, picturesque description of our first step when faced with insurmountable challenges.

In other words, DON'T have your first step as running and trying to fix it.

No, instead, stop and recognize that there is a sovereign God behind it all who is working everything for good. If we “be still” and “cease striving” and instead pray to the one in charge, peace will inevitably wash over our anxious hearts as we rest in Him.

Posted in Be encouraged