“This is what the Lord says, ‘He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar–the Lord Almighty is His name.’” (Jeremiah 31:35). . . . “Ah, Sovereign Lord, Yoy have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
There have been some times lately, when I have felt like giving up. Sometimes I just get sick of how hard life is with a chronic illness. Even when I think things may have settled down into something a little easier, there seems to be new challenges that come along.
I can allow my days to become weighed down by problems, worries, and fears. The meager efforts that take so much energy, yet seem to be fairly fruitless in their outcome. The worry that robs me of peace and rest.
These verses above, remind me that the Lord is so powerful. He speaks and the things that we sometimes take for granted, like day and night, continue to happen just at the right time. God demonstrates His power by what He created and continues to show us every day.
Jeremiah also reminds me that when life seems too hard for me–nothing is too hard for God. When the problem I see ahead of me, seems like there is no solution, I need to remember that this problem is not too hard for God. I don’t have to solve it in my own strength–God is there and He sees a solution.
Sometimes I try to do things on my own and I think that’s when I end up feeling I want to give up, because it’s just too hard. But I’m not meant to do it on my own. I need that outstretched arm of God to help me. I need to trust in Him.
Prayer: Father, when I seek to do things on my own, help me to trust in You and remember that nothing is too hard for You. Thank You that when we want to give up, You never give up on us. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life, and the lessons He is teaching her, as she lives with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to travel when she is able. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
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What do you do when you feel you have reached the point where things are just too hard? Are there people, Bible passages that you turn to for help?
Hi Fiona!
Your verses from Jeremiah have given me renewed hope. And, oh how I understand about “the meager efforts that take so much energy, yet seem to be fairly fruitless in their outcome”.
I actually did get some chores done today, but while feeling like “Mary Martyr”. I don’t like that at all! I want to do things to please the Lord, who has done so much for me.
I was just pondering your questions and remembered that I filled a small pocket/purse size notebook with Scripture verses and uplifting little poems several years ago. It was at a particularly tough period in my life. I used it for a long time when I wondered if I could go on. Hmm! Maybe I’ll put it in a handy place again to refer to. That is, if I can find it easily.
This afternoon I read a few pages of funny things from my “Humour File”. And I did laugh out loud. Good for all of us.
I came to the computer to get some encouragement and wasn’t disappointed. Thanks dear friend.
Love, Beth
Hi Fiona…Thank you for your devotional. When I read “God is there and He sees a solution” I thought of something Corrie Ten Boom (one of my “heroes of the faith”) said: “There is no panic in heaven, only plans.” I am so grateful He is all-wise and all-knowng and part of His plan is encouragement from others…with an ABUNDANCE of encouragement from this site. Bless you Fiona.
Helen
Beth,
Thanks for sharing about keeping those uplifting things handy for when we need them – or when we need to be reminded that life is about more than our present problem, or pain. So easy to slip into those thoughts, or the fact that we feel we are not doing things that matter.
Helen,
Thanks for sharing that quote – I love it!
I’m glad you both were encouraged and pray we all will continue to be drawn to what encourages, rather than what pulls us down.
Blessings,
Fiona
Helen: Your two quotes point out the fact that God is totally able to solve our problems or see us through. Corrie ten Boom’s quote says so much: “There’s no panic i heaven, only plans.”
May He give us the grace to focus on these truths and put our trust in Him when our illnesses and resulting frustration and depression press in on us.
Grace & peace to you,
Beth
Fiona, I loved your devotion that echoed how difficult things can be for us & how much the Lord helps us in our journeys.
Always good to read people’s comments too.
On the really tough days…..after a few tears & looking to all sorts of other things first!!!….. I finally come back to the Lord in the way that has helped me to cope best over & over again. I’m a very visual person, so I imagine that I’m a little girl climbing onto my Daddy’s knee (Jesus)….having His strong yet sensitive nail-scarred arms around me comforting me. Resting my head next to my Daddy’s chest I imagine feeling his heartbeat…..slow & steady & breathing in a calm & peaceful way. Immediately my worries melt & I feel rocked, comforted, loved & at peace again to be able to climb down & carry on…..usually with a smile on my face again! I just wish I’d learn to do this 1st each time!! LOL! Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn: I often try other things first. Such as working hard to get chores, etc. done.
I love your description of resting in the arms of the Lord.
God bless!
Beth