What do we do with shattered dreams that come from natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes or forest fires? Loss of home, possessions, health, wealth, loved ones, employment . . . Most of us fall into despair like the darkness of night. We feel helpless. Friend, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Robert Schuler said, “Tough times don’t last; tough people do.” People who find strength in the Lord find peace in the midst of terrible circumstances. God can bring beauty from ashes, peace from conflict, and victory over despair. When everything looks hopeless, look up. God is with you. He will never forsake you but will help you get through bad times. We have a Friend in Jesus who saves us from a life of sin, which separates us from God. Then He walks with us in good times and bad times. He never sleeps or slumbers. He never grows weary of hearing our cries for help. We can trust in Him.
“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted . . . and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:2-3).
THINK ABOUT IT
If we put our hope only in things we can see or touch, we will be disappointed and discouraged. A man once lost all he had in a hurricane. The disaster relief team prayed for him after they spent a day clearing away trees and debris. He said, “I haven’t been to church in a long time, but I think I’ll start going now.” One of the men who worked on his property asked him what had changed his mind. He said, “When all that was left of my house was a few boards, I found written on a door frame, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand.'” Tears rolled down the man’s face as he thanked the men who worked and prayed for him.
PRAY ABOUT IT
Heavenly Father, I pray that you help the many people who live in challenging circumstances to live by faith in you, not in the things they see. Be their rock and their refuge in times of deep despair. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 