God’s Comfort Is Never Far Away

Some days are harder than others; in fact, some days, it is tough to just put one foot in front of the other. We might even feel as though no one understands our problem and that we have to go it alone. However, when we find ourselves struggling this way, we simply need to turn to God as He will guide us through. With His help, we can face tomorrow with renewed hope and happiness.

Here are 3 ways to find your way when things seem bleak:

1. Know that with God, there is always a tomorrow. When Elijah visited a widow during the drought, he learned that she was planning to make one last meal for herself and her son, and then she was prepared to die. This mirrors society today as the celebrity suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have highlighted the fact that suicides in the United States have increased by nearly 30% in the last seventeen years. However, it is important to remember that with God, there is always a tomorrow. Simply recall what Elijah told the widow. He said that God desired her to be alive tomorrow and that God Himself would provide for that tomorrow. If you, a loved one, or a stranger is struggling, embrace tomorrow by reaching out to the vast network under God as we are called to: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
2. Believe in God’s word, not what you see before you. As humans, we have a limited scope and must rely on God’s word to tell us what lies ahead. For example, when suffering from a seemingly endless drought, God told Elijah that a rainstorm was on the way. Instead of dismissing His word since there was not a cloud in the sky, Elijah embraced the good news and proclaimed that the end of the drought was near. Not long after, a cloud appeared, and they were blessed with a miraculous rainstorm. If you are burdened by struggles that seem to be unending, trust God when He tells you that they too will come to an end. Don’t give up hope that you will experience a rainstorm when you least expect it. Until then, cling to these words to remain hopeful: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
3. Turn to God when your hope shifts to doubt. Even when you have maintained a hopeful attitude one day, you may awake to find it gone and replaced with doubt the next day. Although Elijah remained hopeful for a long time, even giving newfound hope to others, he found himself consumed by doubt when he wandered through the desert. Once he had told a widow that God Himself would provide for her tomorrow, but Elijah discovered that he couldn’t give himself that same comfort when the time came. Instead, he dropped to the ground and told God that he was ready to die. Yet God responded by sending an angel to comfort and feed him. So, if you find yourself doubting, simply turn to God and remember these words: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Today, turn your blues to blessings by turning to God in your time of need.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Psalm 32:8 (ESV)

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