RESCUE

The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. Psalms 34:18

There was a time in my life when I nearly gave up hope. Things were bad on all counts: money, spousal discourse, health issues, divisions in the church, resentment, anger, stress, overwhelming fatigue, fault finding, employment problems, ridiculing attitudes, etc. My world was crumbling around me.

When we read Psalm 34:18, we see that it is in these exact times of our lives, when we feel distant from God, that He actually draws near to us. Here are some other versions of this scripture: KJV, The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit;  ERV, The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged;  NIV, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit; MSG, If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.

Each one of these renditions, although slightly different, is telling us that we are not alone when trials and tribulation are surrounding us. The Lord is not only watching, but He is near to us, and He will rescue us. He not only brings us strength and comfort to endure our hardships, but He actually is taking this to mold us into something even better than we were before the problems. James 1:2-3 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

We need to trust in God more than ever during difficult times, times when we have a broken heart, times when we are disappointed, times when we feel crushed, and times when we feel as if we have been punched in the gut. God will save us, protect us, strengthen us, guide us, and help us to catch our breath. He loves us so much and wants us to endure the testing of our faith. God who resides in our hearts will rescue us and will shower us with the gifts of fortitude and perseverance.

So in your times of trials when your heart is breaking in two, don’t give up hope unless you are placing that hope in Christ.

Thank you God for rescuing me from my tribulations and for renewing my hope. In the name of Jesus, Amen.