There have been a lot of hard days. In the past few years?…a LOT of hard days. But you know what?
We are still here.
I want to release encouragement to you. I equate encouragement with strength. A strengthening and a quickening on the inside to rise up and do what needs to be done. Even if that just means putting one foot in front of the other to KEEP GOING. My friend Merriam-Webster says that “encourage” means: to make someone more determined, hopeful or confident (noun) AND to inspire with courage, spirit or hope; to spur on or stimulate (verb).
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].” Isaiah 40:20 AMPC
“The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 AMPC
What We Don’t See
What we often don’t see is that it’s hard because we are pioneers forging new paths. We are adventurers scaling the rocky cliffs of the mountainside to conquer the high places. Or we are in the trenches with only our grit and determination, digging ditches and new wells of generational blessings for the ones coming up behind us, but it feels like we are trudging through the wilderness. Wading waste deep through the muck and mire to build a bridge to the other side with our blood, sweat and tears as our constant companions.
We want, no, we EARNESTLY desire to do something great in our lifetime so the generation on our heels can dwell in the promised land, eat the milk and honey and live the good life under the sun of Him Who is faithful. We intrinsically know we are destined & designed for greatness but the warfare has been SO INTENSE.
The good news is, you are NOT alone in the fight! Jesus is with you in your race! Not only does He promise to never leave or forsake you, He promises to hold your hand through the entire process of your life. And He will carry you when needed and Shepherd you throughout.
“…for He God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!” Hebrews 13:5b AMPC
“…and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the very close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” Matthew 28:20b AMPC
“Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:16 AMPC
“The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 AMPC
THE GOODS:
Here is a handful of provisions that will minister to your heart when you feel like you’re just done. We all have those moments, and truthfully, there are times when I decide to quit…But just for today. I give myself permission to be done for right now because I know I’ll try again tomorrow. Hope springs eternal.
Song, “You’re Gonna Be Ok” by Jenn Johnson. I can’t seem to properly process anything without music. Probably because it’s in my DNA. This song is just what the doctor ordered and I believe the Great Physician partnered in penning it’s message!
Book, “What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days” by Holley Gerth. This little book is packed with encouragement, honesty and TRUTH. And her blog is one of the most encouraging places in cyberspace.
Post, “Daily Delights” by EncourgemeantSays. Maybe you’ve fallen off the hope wagon because you’ve been faithfully taking care of your loved ones but forgot to invest in yourself the past little bit. It’s ok to do what needs to be done to recharge your batteries.
Scripture, “Psalm 23” by David. This most beloved of passages is cherished the world over for a reason.
Poems, “Footprints in the Sand” by Carolyn Joyce Carty and “New Version of Footprints” by Mark Littleton. Two takeaways, “That was when I carried you.” and “That was when we danced.”
A Prayer.
Abba, when our hearts are hurting and we feel like we can’t go on this way, please send the mercy of much needed relief. You are un-endingly kind and Your goodness is woven into everything You do. Carry us when we just can’t even. Anoint our ears to hear the words of life that only You have. The ones we so desperately need right at this very moment. We ask You to show us today, in personal ways, that You see, hear and know what we’re going through and that You’re there for us through it all. Thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us in every situation and circumstance. In Jesus Name, Amen.
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].” Psalm 145:9 AMPC
May His mercy find you today. May it be fresh and new and exactly what your heart needs. His works are wonderful, may your soul know that full well today. (Psalm 139:14) And may you live to fight another day.
In Him Who loved us first,
Kim♥