There is a promise for us if we will accept it.
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.
Isaiah 40:28
The world is loaded with people who have never heard the Bible accounts of God and his Son, Jesus. Many more do not understand what they have heard. I suspect misunderstanding has much to do with poor and incomplete representations of the Bible in public conversation. As there is stigma about mental illness, abuse, and addiction, there is stigma about the Bible’s answers to human suffering.
Some say our heavenly Father is unfair, unjust, uncaring, distant, mean, or nonexistent. The Bible refutes all these regardless some famous misquotes.
He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
Isaiah 40:28
No, we cannot fathom God’s great plans or intentions. His thoughts are as far above ours as those of a God worth worshiping should be. I do not want a tiny god that I created or organized in my mind. I want a leader, one strong enough to hold my future. The God of the Bible is this God.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Isaiah 40:29
Fighting mental illness, abuse, or addiction is exhausting in our own strength. Jesus has led me through all three and handled each differently. That is because he knows us thoroughly and meets us exactly at our point of deepest need. One friend of mine is encouraged at the sight of wild animals. Another by music. All of us are met with strength by reading the Bible and spending much time in prayer.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
Isaiah 40 30-31
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
“To those without might, he increases strength,” my pastor said. “God wants us to be depleted of our own strength so we might live in his strength.”
And life! Beyond survival for survival’s sake, past our human understanding, unburdened by fear of death or fear of living – Jesus gave us life on the cross.
The pandemic gets much press these days. I know there are other, very personal and painful struggles in your life. Discouragement blinds us to hope when in actuality, there is much for which to be grateful!
Hundreds of promises from God in the Bible show his love for us. Accepting God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the beginning of such hope.
Today’s Helpful Word
Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight 