As we explore good news in difficult times, consider this story. You’re on a long trip. You’re really hungry. Mmmm – a hamburger and an ice-cold soda comes to mind. So, you off-ramp into a small town with one grocery on the only street. The grocer says, “Well, go down the aisles. Gather supplies. Make your own sandwich. Soft drinks are stacked by the bread.” Consequently, you head to the next off-ramp – a gas station. The owner says, “Sorry. All we got is cold beer and a bathroom ’round back.” Next off-ramp – an ice-cream stand. But you’re told – “Only ice-cream here. Sorry.” All you want is a burger and a soda!
Interestingly, this “less serious scenario” describes how people feel when they need good news. Instead, they are offered everything else. Nevertheless, there’s still one source of good news in difficult times.
Good News In Difficult Times
You might be holding your breath with developments in the world – in your country. These are perilous times. Don’t you just long for good news in difficult times?
In global and national uncertainty, people are looking for normalcy, not upheaval. They want peace, not division. Plus, they sense they’re missing deeper joy in their lives. Frankly, they long for relief and hope. Incidentally, we published a recent article – Relief and Hope.
Today’s content focuses on six resources that provide normalcy, peace, and joy.
- Comfort.
- Know You Are Valued.
- A Friend.
- Wake Up! Pay Attention!
- You Have Power And Influence.
- But I’m So Discouraged.
Believe it or not, these resources are found in God. Thankfully, they are yours for the taking.
1. Comfort
Too many people are upset, floundering with uncertainty. Sadly, many people have lost loved ones over the past five years. Plus, some have just received bad news. Similarly, most people are just trying to make “a go of it” in difficult circumstances they never thought they’d be in.
All these people need comfort. Maybe you’re one of them.
Guess what! God wants to give comfort – in abundance. Yet, hardly anyone turns to Him for comfort in their troubles.
I’d like to share a Scripture that talks about comfort God longs to give you.
Is. 51:3
“For the Lord will surely comfort Zion. He comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord[!!] Joy and gladness will be found in her . . .”
The Lord is in the habit of comforting. However, this comfort is experienced when you “seek His face” through relationship with Him.
Remarkably, God specifically wants to comfort you in “waste places” you may have. Areas you’ve tried and failed. Broken plans and dreams. Shattered efforts. Violated trust. Truly, you need comfort in these kinds of life experiences.
Further, God has the desire and power to turn your wilderness into an “Eden.” In fact, He promises to transform your life desert into His very own garden! Can you imagine your life becoming a fabulous garden – a place to renew, get-away, reflect, and enjoy comfort? It’s stunning! God wants your life as His garden. Remarkably, He has a way of turning terrible circumstances into something beautiful.
If you want joy and gladness, turn to God for comfort. Then, ask Him to turn your sorrow into a beautiful garden of hope. Spoiler alert – you have to mean it.
2. Know You Are Valued
You are special. Indeed, chosen by God, Himself!
Is. 41:9b says, “You are My servant. I have chosen you and not cast you [away].”
Is. 43:10a says, “You are My witnesses . . . whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me . . .”
1 Pet. 2:9a says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own . . .”
1 Jn. 3:1a says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God – and so we are.”
Servant, witness, chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people of His own – children of God! The message is clear. You are valued by God.
Further, this is good news in difficult times.
3. A Friend
We’ve mentioned God calls you His child. Remarkably, He extends another amazing invitation – to be His friend.
Jn. 15:15a says, “I no longer call you servants . . . but I have called you friends . . .” To be offered friendship by the greatest person alive – that’s amazing. Subsequently, you have a friend.
Remember that old hymn – “What A Friend We Have In Jesus?” Interestingly, that song invites you into an intimate relationship with God. Take everything to Him. Ask for His intervention. Decide to learn all you can from Him. Enjoy His companionship.
Consequently, this is good news in difficult times.
4. Wake Up! Pay Attention!
It may not seem so, but a key resource God gives you is a wake-up call! Consider these Scriptures.
Is. 51:4a, 7
“Give attention to Me! . . . Listen to Me! – you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law. Fear not the reproach of man . . .”
God’s wake-up call is directed to people who know Him. Interestingly, He reminds – don’t live in the “fear of man.” Rather, live in the “fear of the Lord.”
It’s so easy to get caught up in concerns of issues today. However, God has a different message – “I know what I’m doing. I’ll take you through. Actually, I’ve been doing this for centuries. Trust Me. Don’t be afraid. I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)
Truly, this is good news in difficult times.
Is. 51:9a, 10b, 11 portions
“Awake, awake, put on strength . . . [I’m the One who] made the depths of the sea [as] a way for the redeemed to pass over . . . with singing . . . everlasting joy . . . gladness . . . sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Here it is again – “Wake up! Remember, it’s Me! I’ll get you through your difficulties. Trust Me when I say I know how to prosper you in your desert place. Plus, I can fill you with singing, joy, gladness. And your sorrow and sighing? It will fall off into yesterday.”
Once again, this is good news in difficult times.
5. You Have Power And Influence
This resource is solidly based on a claim God makes for Himself AND a tool He’s given you. It’s called “right hand.”
God identifies Himself as your God. He promises relationship with you – “Who takes hold of your right hand.” (Is. 41:13a) He walks beside you, holding your hand like an intimate friend. He intends to stay with you through all your life issues, providing companionship and guidance as you trust Him. As Emmanuel, He’ll be there for you in all your fears, insecurities, weaknesses, and failures. Additionally, He commands you not to fear. Yet, in the same breath, He promises to help. . . as He holds your hand. *
The right hand is a symbol of ability, strength, and power, providing services of protection and resources. God offers to strengthen your right hand – with His right hand. So, give Him your hand. Then, as you trust Him in your littleness, He covers you with His greatness. *
This, too, is good news in difficult times.
* These are quotes from our most popular book, Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. See why people love this December devotional book.
6. But I’m So Discouraged
Honestly, this is a real issue. What help are the previous resources if you’re just plain-old discouraged. Maybe even depressed. Well, here’s good news for you.
Is. 42:3 and Mt. 12:20 both say, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. . . .”
When I found this verse, I was excited. God says – and Jesus repeats – He will not break a bruised (discouraged) person. Plus, He won’t put out the flickering fire left in a weary soul. In other words, He’s got you! Yes, even in difficult times.
Further, He encourages you with eternal truth. So, remember:
- His comfort.
- He values you.
- His friendship.
- His wake-up calls.
- Additionally, how He empowers your right hand with His own right hand.
Seriously, these are just what you need when you’re discouraged.
Nevertheless, you must come to Him. Also, seek His face. Thankfully, this is a faith thing you can do.
More than anything, this is good news in difficult times.
Application Thoughts And Questions
Where do you turn when you need comfort? Further, have you opened your heart to God’s comfort?- Do you value yourself like God does? Additionally, have you embraced being a trusted servant, a witness of God’s character, part of a chosen race, a member of a royal priesthood, an example of a holy nation? Remarkably, a child of God?
- Do you know what a good friend you have in Jesus?
- Do you hear God’s wake-up calls? Equally, do you pay attention?
- Are you reaching to hold God’s extended right hand (His power center)? Further, are you using your right hand (your power center) effectively?
- Importantly, how are you managing your discouragement? Why not turn to God for all the resources you need to live an Alive and Active Life?
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