I’ve spent most of the week trying to wrap my head around how one man could have so much hate in his heart.

My heart is heavy. Honestly, I haven’t watched much news this week. I just can’t. I can’t watch one more report about a senseless shooting where precious lives were wiped out with wicked predetermination.

Instead of wallowing in the misery of the week, I made an intentional choice to just read an article or two on the internet, but avoid the television. Rather than go to bed anxious with graphic images flooding our thoughts, Bruce and I went to bed early every evening and avoided the terror.

I snuggled under the blankets in my safe bedroom and grabbed my journal, a pen, and my neglected Bible reading plan. The Old Testament and I got reacquainted this week, and as I read through what Chuck Swindoll calls “the most comprehensive prophetic picture of Jesus Christ in the entire Old Testament,” I found hope in its pages.

Suddenly, I no longer feared a predator’s attack because I remembered I have a Prince of Peace. I don’t need to figure out how to protect myself. The Lord Himself is my Defense. He is my strength and salvation through the struggle.

God’s Word will fill your heart with hope and help you withstand a hard week.

Maybe like me you’ve spent way too many anxious minutes this week worried about your safety. As  a mom, perhaps you are fearful for your children as they grow up in this fallen world. Are you wondering if it’s safe to travel with your spouse? Have you lost sleep this week because you worry evil is lurking around in unseen places? Friend, we must fight fear-filled thoughts like these and fill up with God’s hope.

5 Hope Filled Truths for a Hard Week

The God of grace reigns over every moment of your life.

God is still on the throne. Evil will not win because our God never sits idle while we struggle.

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Isaiah 30:18, NIV)

Problems cannot undermine you because God’s power continually upholds you.

Place your fears firmly at the feet of the One who holds the whole world in His hands. He will wrap His strength around you and stand you up even when the world is shaking.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

God’s love surrounds you with safety when the world is unsettled.

You are His beloved, and He will always make a way for you. No barrier can stop God’s blessings from reaching you.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,”says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

God will help you flourish like a flower in the desert during hard times.

God’s storehouse supply never runs out. He will never fail to supply what you need to survive and thrive.  

“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

Your redeemer will unfold His glory as you wait with a worshipful heart.

Greater things are yet to come. Keep your eyes open for His wonder.

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 64:4)

Just as I found security under the covers in my bedroom this week, we can cozy up to the Word and gather warmth and wisdom. As we wrap God’s Truth around our hearts, He will envelop our lives with His strength.  He is our safety.  We can look forward to the future with a confident expectation because our Eternal God is faithful and will fulfill His promises. Delight will fill our lives as we determine to move forward in faith and set aside fear. The God who Sees will show us the way and reveal His majesty in our lives.

Hope filled truths will fill you up with worship to withstand hard times.

Are you ready to fire up your faith?

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