My posts on Tuesday (“It Will Be Better“) and Wednesday (“Does Anyone Care?) were to encourage wise comfort. Today is for those who need comfort but it doesn’t come or is a bit lacking.
What do you do when no one calls or drops by or seems to care when you are struggling? What do you do when your friends are more like Job’s who through insensitive comments make things worse rather than better? Here are a few suggestions…
Take Jesus at his word. It is written in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
How is that accomplished? In no particular order…
Personal Worship: Make a CD or put on your MP3 player a playlist of songs that lift your heart toward heaven. Then listen to them. Sing. Worship!
Selected Scripture Reading: There are many powerful passages in Scripture through which God gives encouragement, strength, and hope. Read them over and over… SLOWLY. I made an MP3 of mine so I can play it when I’m exercising, driving, or meditating. “Faith comes by HEARING…”
Aside: Interact with the Scripture. Affirm it’s truth to your soul. Preach the passages to yourself.
Sermons: Over the years I have set aside a number of messages by Tim Keller, John MacArthur, John Piper, and others that are especially encouraging. These messages have been used by God to help me through tough stretches and strengthen my soul.
Pray! It is written… “Let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Aside: Forget pithy prayer phrases. Abandon King James language. Pour out your heart to God in all honesty. Don’t hold anything back. Lay it all before His throne… without reservation. Then go back to your favorite Scripture passages and listen for God to speak.
Engage in Scripture discussions with someone more wise and godly than yourself. This will encourage you and strengthen your faith more than you realize.
One last suggestion: Repeat as often as necessary.