For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Have you ever felt spiritually stuck or lost, or sensed a lack of spiritual connection? This can be discouraging because we long for the feeling of harmony and growth that we have experienced before. God knows that we will go through difficult seasons, and he provides encouragement throughout the scriptures.

First, He tells us He will answer us. “Call to Me and I will answer you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 33:3, 29:13). And, “He is not far from any one of us,” the Bible says. (Acts 17:27)

Second, God says He will give refreshment to the poor and needy (Isaiah 41:17-18). God is concerned with our physical well-being just as He is our spiritual condition. The prophet Elijah had to flee for his life after warning a wicked King of a serious impending drought.  God hid Elijah from his enemies next to a refreshing brook and sent ravens carrying bread and meat to restore Elijah’s strength! (1 Kings 17:2-16).

Third, God is at work in our trials, in part, so that we may empathize with others when they are discouraged. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, the Apostle Paul details the many struggles he encountered, concluding, “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”

Take heart. God has not forgotten you. Instead, He offers you encouragement from His living Word.

Resource reading:  Isaiah 41:13-20