Renae Brumbaugh Green - Encouragement for When Life Is Hard: Comforting Devotions for a Womans Heart

2018 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

ISBN 978-1-63609-390-1

Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63609-540-0

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Scripture quotations marked NSRV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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As for God, his way is perfect: the L ORD S word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

P SALM 18:30 NIV

Gods way is perfect. That sounds nicebut it also sounds a little clich, especially when were in the throes of heartache and despair. If Gods way is perfect, why does it hurt so much? Is God cruel? Doesnt He care about us?

Gods way is without flawbut life has plenty of imperfections and shortcomings. As long as were on this earth, we will have trouble. Didnt He say as much? But when we run to Him in that trouble, He is a shield. He is a refuge. He is our safe place. When we run to Him, He will love us, comfort us, and protect us. Life may not be perfect, but God always is.

Dear Father, thank You for Your perfect love.

Remind me, when life is hard, that I can run to You.

Thank You for always being there for me. Amen.

The L ORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Z EPHANIAH 3:17 NIV

Anxiety is defined as stress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. Certainly this life is fraught with danger and misfortune. When we walk through our days without God, we have every reason to be afraid. But we dont have to travel this journey alone! We have a bodyguardas well as a spirit guardwho will never leave us nor forsake us. He is the mighty warrior who saves!

He takes great delight in those who love Him and stay close to Him. Surely we have nothing to fear with a hero who adores us. He loves us beyond description. He will protect us and save us. With God as our defender, we have no reason to feel afraid.

Dear Father, thank You for being the mighty warrior who saves. Remind me of Your presence, and help me not feel afraid. Amen.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

C OLOSSIANS 3:23 NIV

Work can be a drudge or a delightdepending on the day, depending on the circumstance. When we find ourselves in a job that fits our gifts and talents and working for people who appreciate us, work gives us immense satisfaction. But when we are in a job that doesnt fit our personalities or our skills, or when we work with people who take us for granted, it can feel like a never-ending prison sentence.

No matter what type of job were in, God wants us to remember were really working for Him. He will bless honesty, diligence, and a respectful attitude. We can pray for better opportunities and acquire the skills to move us to a new position. In the meantime, we need to remember our real boss is loving and generous, and He will reward us for hard work.

Dear Father, help me find satisfaction in my job. I want to honor You in my work. Amen.

If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow themthe L ORD will keep you free from every disease.

D EUTERONOMY 7:12, 15 NIV

This entire passage lists ways in which God will bless those who live righteous, upright lives. Keeping us free from disease is just one of the ways God blesses the godly. Yet we all know godly people who are afflicted with some sort of terrible disease. So does God not keep His promises?

Of course He does. As long as we are in this world, we will never be entirely immune. However, living clean, upright lives does lead to a healthier existence. We are less likely to get cancer if we dont put bad things into our bodies. We are less likely to get STDs if we follow Gods guidelines for sex within marriage. Gods laws are put in place because theyre good laws, and they bring about health and longevity. Even when disease does strike, righteousness still produces the abundant life that cannot be found outside Gods plan.

Dear Father, thank You for Your perfect guidelines for healthy, righteous living. Please heal me. Amen.