When we are struggling we need hope.  We need comfort.  We need to know GOD is with us.  There is a passage in Matthew 23:37 where it is recorded Jesus said…

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Too many times people… including Christians… miss the desire God has to comfort, protect, shelter, and strengthen us.  He is read, willing, and able… like no one else… to give us what we need… HIM.  God is our comfort!  God is our strength!  God is our refuge… a very present help in time of trouble!

If people would just trust God!  If they would just do what He calls them to do!  If they would realize that Jehovah God’s promises are true.  Then they would know the peace that surpasses all comprehension.  Then they would have HIS peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!  Consider…

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, 7  casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11  To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8  Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts…

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

How do you do those things?  How do you “Cast all your anxieties upon Him?”  How do you “Draw near to God?”  Through prayer, Scripture, and reflecting on God.

Every time you read Scripture you are hearing God’s voice.  Not audibly of course, but you are hearing Him “speak” His eternal truths.  “Casting” and “Drawing near” are done by reading and meditating on Scripture.  Through prayer ask God to work His truth in these passages into you.  Do it regularly.  Do it often.  Believe God.  Trust God.

Steve… thanks for the picture!