When we're suffering - no matter the reason - it's easy to slip into a pit of discouragement.
These three things can help us keep or regain perspective, giving us purpose, gratitude, and hope in the midst of our pain:
1. Remember others who are facing challenges and pray for them. We can actually use painful thoughts as reminders to pray for others, giving us a constructive purpose in our pain. Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 12:15
2. Remember Christ's suffering and spend some time thanking Him.
Anyone can be grateful when things are going well. Genuine gratitude is learned through difficulty. Psalm 103
3. Remember that life is brief, and eternity is long. One day our suffering and sorrow will end. Completely. Forever.
This is our ultimate hope. Colossians 3:1-4
These three reminders don’t lessen our pain, but they put it into perspective.
They give us light along our path and remind us of the light at the end of our path.
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These devotions can also help you deal with difficulties:
3 Verbs
Taking Thoughts Captive
The Power of Negative Self-Talk
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
This is so true and beautiful! It reminded me of a hymn that we sing here in Portugal, at church (I'm catholic). Can I share? I'll try to translate the best I can :)
ReplyDeleteIf I'm surrounded by darkness
And I walk through bitterness
I will not fear because the Light is with me.
If I'm caught by the storm
And Jesus is sleeping in my boat
I will not fear because Peace is with me.
If I'm lost in the desert
And I thirst and faint
I will not fear because the Living Water is with me.
If unbelievers insult me
And the ungodly hate me to death
I will not fear because the Life is with me.
If my friends abandoned me,
If I'm poor and orphan,
I will not fear because the Father is with me.
If I'm surrounded by darkness
And I walk through bitterness
I will not fear because the Light is with me.
It was written by father Manuel Luís and it is also a night prayer.
God bless!
PS.: if there is errors in my English please tell me, I want to learn :) Thanks!
Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteMy inlaws are currently going through a rough time right now with my father in law. He has ALS and abruptly was put on a ventilator but the hospital are trying to focus on just his blood pressure. It has been very stressful and overwhelming on top of being pregnant. But I can totally relate to number one because I know how this is affecting my husband and it makes me pray harder for him. Definitely liked the others too. Thanks you
ReplyDeleteI pray that you and your family will continue to find comfort in the Lord.
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