by Rachel Dodge
I’ve seen a lot of memes and quotes going around lately that all say something like this: “I’m tired of all the things that won’t kill me but will make me stronger.” Can you relate?
Most people I know feel worn down and weary right now. Many of my friends and family members have experienced multiple, overlapping trials recently. Wave after wave. Storm after storm. In our families, in our friend groups, in our churches, in our communities. And it doesn’t seem to be letting up.
“Even if you can't see what's around the bend, He can.”
If any of this sounds familiar, you are probably in great need of a fresh dose of hope and encouragement right now. As you read the following Bible promises, take courage and take heart. Each one is a powerful reminder of who God is and how He works in our lives. When the storms of life rage, may these truths be an anchor for your soul!
God is with you: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV). Read that again slowly and let it sink in. God will never leave you or forsake you. You can memorize the main message of this verse in five simple words: “I will never leave you.” That’s a promise you can bring with you into any situation for the rest of your life. God is with you—always!
God is at work: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6 (NIV). God is always working behind the scenes, even when you can’t see any visible evidence of His invisible fingerprints. He works in mysterious and wonderful ways, far beyond our understanding. He’s working all things for your good, that you might love Him, honor Him, and share His love with others. He’s still working—right now!
God is in control: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” Psalm 18:2 (NIV). When life feels chaotic and unstable, God is a firm foundation. There is nothing beyond His reach or His authority. He is infinitely more powerful than we could ever imagine. Even the wind and the waves obey Him (Matthew 8:27). He cannot be moved; He cannot be shaken.
God is your shelter: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” Psalm 91:4 (NLT). When you feel overwhelmed, you can take refuge in the shadow of your Heavenly Father’s wings. When you want to hide under the covers, you can run to Jesus and hide yourself in Him: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7 NIV).
God is your strength: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1 (NIV). Even now, God is strengthening you for the task at hand. He will help you through this difficult time. As you wait on Him, He will renew your strength: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31NKJV).
God is your deliverer: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” Psalm 34:17 (ESV). If you are in need of rescue, cry out to God for help. He hears you when you call, and He will make a way through. If you don’t see the solution yet, if your circumstances seem impossible, keep pressing into prayer as you wait for His plans to unfold. God will bring deliverance to your situation—and to your troubled mind and heart.
God has a plan: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). In all that you’re experiencing, be assured that God has a plan and purpose for your life. Not only does God know the plans He has for you (even if you don’t), He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you. And guess what? His good plans for your life include a hope and a future!
God hears your prayers: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” Isaiah 65:24 (NIV). If you feel as though your prayers aren’t making a difference, don’t give up! Jesus told the parable of the praying widow who was relentless in her prayers in order to teach us to pray and never give up (Luke 18:1). Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop seeking. Don’t stop knocking and asking.
God Has More in Store for You With all of these verses in mind, remember that this season won’t go on forever. Even now, God is doing something new in your heart and life. You maybe just can’t see it yet.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV).
When it seems like God is silent, that He doesn’t have a plan, or that you’ve reached a dead end, that’s when He is actually doing a deeper work. He is building your trust in Him, deepening your roots, and laying the groundwork for future service and fruitfulness.
God’s plans for your life are still unfolding and expanding. There are new things for you to do, new areas of ministry for you to explore, and new people for you to meet. Remember: Even if you can’t see what’s around the bend, He can!
Take Heart These verses—and all of God’s promises in the Bible—are for you. As a follower of Christ, you have a Heavenly Father who is always with you and always available. Read these promises out loud and post them around your home as a daily reminder. And share them with the people around you. You never know who else might need an encouraging word!
Finally, whatever you’re going through, be assured that after the storm, the sun will shine again. God is walking with you through the hard places and shouldering the weight of your greatest burdens. Trust Him. Hold on to Him. His promises will never fail you.
Rachel Dodge is an English professor and the author of The Little Women Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion to Louisa May Alcott’s Beloved Classic. Her other titles include the award-winning The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-By-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. You can visit her online at www.RachelDodge.com.