We’re all riding along this highway called life. It’s a beautiful drive and the surroundings leave you in awe. But then, something unexpected happens. There’s a sharp turn, a crevice, or a dip in the road and you’re welcomed to the land of affliction. Not one person can escape entering its presence, but you have the choice to fight for your faith, and rest assured in the comfort of your Heavenly Father.
Lately I’ve been reminded that it’s okay if you don’t FEEL strong, because God IS your strength. Through the difficult circumstances, let yourself feel how you need to feel and grieve how you need to grieve. I’m saying this as a soul who is grieving herself. June 5, 2018 I lost my last grandparent here on Earth, my grandpa. In my 16 years of life, I’ve seen cancer rob and slowly destroy countless members of my family, my grandpa included. But through the pain, there is hope. Through the grief, there is comfort. Even through the unknowns, there is still joy. He turns your mourning into praise, and He uses that as part of your testimony. When you zoom out of your current situation, you can see that it is part of a bigger plan, a purpose that God has for you. Although we don’t know the future, we do know who is in charge of the future—a God whose character is unchanging. He has been good and faithful since creation. And He will continue to be good and faithful in the future.
Below are 10 comforting pieces of Scripture for your times of affliction. Remember that He cares and He comforts. Let your heart heal in the arms of your Comforter. Dwell on these words below with an open heart, because I believe God will whisper the words you need to hear if you are willing.
Trust in Him wholeheartedly. Seek Him, know Him, and believe in His good plans for you.
1 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6
During affliction, His promise still stands.
2 “This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.” Psalm 119:50
Hold onto the abundant joy of God, because it will strengthen you.
3 “. . . The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
God is your strength when you are weak. He pursues your heart, even through the hardships.
4 “So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
Pray this Scripture over yourself, allowing His Word to overflow you in the deepest parts.
5 “I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word.” Psalm 119:28
His timing is absolutely perfect. Don’t let your present circumstance break the praise you were created for. Rejoice in light of eternity.
6 “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts… I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life.” Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
God specifically chooses to bless you in whatever season you are walking through.
7 ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:3-4
Praise the God who accomplishes the impossible within you.
8 “Lord, you light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. With you I can attack a barricade, and with my God I can leap over a wall.” Psalm 18: 28-29
Find comfort & peace in the glory of God by flipping your perspective towards eternity.
9 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
When the enemy attacks, choose to fight for faith. Choose to fight WITH God.
10 “But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called about…” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
