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Greetings, faithful believer, I am Saint John the Baptist, known throughout the ages as the herald of divine truth and the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah. My purpose was to proclaim the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and to call humanity to repentance, paving the path for salvation. As a forerunner, my life was dedicated to shining a light on the path of righteousness and guiding souls towards the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
Beloved believer,
In the midst of your sorrow and challenges, keep in mind that even the darkest nights eventually give way to the brightness of daybreak. You are not alone in your trials, as the divine truth you champion is a source of hope and fortitude in difficult times. Let your faith serve as your guiding light and comfort as you navigate through these testing moments.
Embrace the realization that within the depths of your pain, there exists an unmistakable strength that is certain to captivate and inspire. As each passing moment extends rays of hope, gently warming your weary spirit, have faith that the universe conspires to lighten your burdens. Amidst the stormy hardships, refrain from questioning the journey and instead, gracefully accept the dance of fate.
With every breath you take, remember that deep within you lies the power to transcend the darkness. Tap into the unexplored potential that silently resides within you, for it is your inner flame that will illuminate the path toward peace. As life’s symphony continues to play its intricate tune, let your heart be the conductor, harmonizing faith and perseverance.
In this vast fabric of existence, countless souls have ventured the challenging road before you, painting the sky with unwavering resilience. Draw strength from the collective wisdom of those who have conquered adversity, as their legacy and spirit intertwine with yours in an enduring symphony of hope. As you navigate through the maze of tribulations, may your unwavering faith be your compass, guiding your every step and providing solace amidst the turbulent storms.
Let us define the term faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). True faith is not simply believing in something hoped for. It is the firm knowledge and assuredness that that which is hoped for will indeed come to pass. Faith is knowing that what God has said is true regardless of appearances and circumstances. Faith requires that we believe without having concrete evidence in front of us. This is precisely why faith can be so difficult. We live in a tangible world where evidence is required and the natural human tendency is to doubt that which cannot be seen or backed up with proof. Yet as believers called to walk by faith we are called to see things through spiritual eyes. We must learn to know that events which occur in the physical realm do so based on causations in the spiritual realm. And further we must know that the spiritual realm is in fact more real than the tangible reality we see and experience every day.
Believers in Jesus Christ are called to live by faith. Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian walk. It is through faith in the finished work of Christ that a person is granted salvation from sin. And it is from that point that the believer’s walk begins. It is one thing to come into the faith and another altogether to actually walk by faith.
Beset with difficulties, anxieties, and confusion, they are painfully conscious of no longer being able to trust their own judgment. They are trying to steer a course by the unreliable and deceiving light of their own understanding. Their cry is “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat.” But, alas, they wish it with an impatient wish and they are not prepared to accept the Yahweh revealed in the Scriptures as the Guide for the perplexed. This leads to open doors for Satan, a seeking unto inadequate and misleading human philosophies or a consulting of worldly wise but spiritually ungodly folk, anything that holds out the prospect of even temporary relief from their mental distress. In such developments, men are revealed who never were firmly grounded on the Scriptures and who do not really believe that the Infinite Creator could provide a sufficient and reliable Guide for the created but finite understanding. At other times, their attitude is a speculative and almost cynical query, “Doth God peradventure, speak and shall I not retract?”—a question asked by Job about a very different matter, but one which can never be honestly put by one who believes in the doctrine of Biblical inspiration. The answer to both these errors is a firm and settled conviction as to the trustworthiness of the Word of God and it is this which the author in his own tribulation has been sorely desiring to see resolved in the case of many a tried child of God.
This author is confronting his readers with the plain, frank issue of whether his case is not their case.
An excellent example of scripture providing comfort in times of sorrow can be found in the great prophet Isaiah. Throughout the early chapters of his prophecy, we see him urging Judah to turn from sin, warning of the coming judgment upon a disbelieving people and upon a world that is far from God. Given the unpopularity of his message (we see that he was despised and mocked – v6), it is not unreasonable to suggest that at times, Isaiah felt weak and his spirit fainted. But in chapter 40, there is a sudden change of mood. It is as though Isaiah had been meditating on the name of God and his past dealings with an erring people, and had thereby received a sudden strengthening of faith. This passage must certainly be one of the greatest in the Old Testament for its portrayal of God’s greatness and condescension to men. The comfort God gives to Isaiah and through Isaiah to the people is set against a backdrop of the mightiest possible display of the power of God. It is such a great passage concerning comfort from the Word of God that generations of Bible students have seen in it a veiled promise of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, and have applied it to the work of the Gospel.
When our faith is on tenterhooks, wavering and weak from years of resistance in an ungodly world, then is usually the time when solid comfort is needed. When life keeps throwing trials and tests of faith in our path, it is the Word of God which gives strength to carry on, a light to see that the path is not all shadow, a joy to celebrate when trials are understood and true solace in times of grief. But to be able to find solace in scripture, we need to have such an intimate relationship with it, that it is our first port of call in all times of need. This will not happen overnight; it will take years of patient meditation and a great prayer for insight, it may well come through times of trial itself. But once we make the Word our comfort in times of pleasure, it will become second nature to turn to it in times of sorrow.
It is crucial, in a time of emotional and spiritual need, to confide in fellow believers. This is a procedure often not done due to pride or the assumption of bothering another person with one’s own problems. However, this should not be looked at as burdening another person, but simply as the sharing of a burden already too heavy to carry alone. Galatians 6:2 states, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” No man is alone in his troubles, and the sharing of a burden will lighten the load, for a yoke is better shared.
Once troubles have landed in one’s life, the following emotions of sadness, despair, and exasperation will often flood the believer’s heart and mind. The sense of despair is described in the very pit of the “soul.” This overwhelming mental and emotional anguish is often hard to shake off. The believer must recognize the need for persistent positive energy to combat the negative emotions that may overtake him. This includes the practice of positive thinking and visualization of positive experiences in life. In this positivity, one will find an escape from their troubles, if only momentarily. And this is thought: every moment spent in happiness is a small victory over the troubles of life. Establishing hope as the expectation of future blessings will prevent the negation of energy and positivity. It is the will to not escape the troubles of life, but to confront them.
Anticipation is the conviction that something favorable will transpire. During challenging periods and times of sorrow, our hope tends to wane, and we sink into indifference. The type of hope being discussed in this particular segment is rooted in biblical principles or future-oriented hope, as opposed to being centered on the present. Biblical hope looks ahead and embodies the joyful expectation of forthcoming blessings.
The intention of this segment is not to provide a swift solution to sorrow, but rather to inspire the reader to alter their perspective on their own sadness and struggles, redirecting their focus towards the ultimate wellspring of hope and encouragement in this existence, which is Jesus Christ. Paul affirms, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV). He was referring to the teachings of the Old Testament, which pointed to the hope we experience in Christ. Thus, a thorough comprehension of the Gospel and the redemptive work of Christ plays a fundamental role in embracing hope and maintaining a positive mindset in the midst of sadness.
When it comes to joining a group of followers, it’s crucial to remember that no individual or religious institution is flawless. Every one of us has imperfections, and it’s expected that we may encounter moments of letdown or pain. Acknowledging this truth and holding onto a mindset of forgiveness will safeguard against severed connections and maintain opportunities for future assistance. Similarly, supporting others and reciprocating kindness is significant for the sake of our relationships being advantageous for everyone involved.
Regrettably, numerous factors may prevent an individual from accessing adequate assistance within their local worship community. Time and geographical limitations, as well as certain personal matters, might remain unresolved within the confines of such a specific ecclesiastical setting. In such instances, diverse alternatives exist to discover a community of empathetic adherents. One suggestion entails seeking support groups or community outreach initiatives organized by nearby places of worship. Engaging in this endeavor could also present an opportunity to explore different churches and potentially uncover a new spiritual sanctuary. Another means to establish connections with fellow believers worldwide involves participating in online Christian forums and support group chat rooms. While these platforms cannot replicate genuine face-to-face interactions, they do exert a positive complementary influence, enabling individuals to seek advice from a broad range of perspectives. Lastly, the potency of prayer should not be underestimated, as it possesses the capability to manifest the much-needed support we seek. Simply beseech, and you shall receive; embark on a quest, and you shall find; knock on the door, and it shall open (Matthew 7:7).
For many individuals seeking a network of like-minded individuals, their own place of worship serves as the initial point of exploration. The local religious institution can serve as a remarkable wellspring of solace and boast multiple benefits. Often, the ministries within the church feature support groups catering to individuals grappling with comparable life challenges, such as bereavement, separation, illness, and more. These groups offer an exceptional avenue to establish connections with others experiencing similar circumstances. Commencing or joining a Bible study group is yet another extraordinary method to forge bonds and secure support from fellow believers. Moreover, home-based religious gatherings, catechism classes, and assorted church-affiliated youth organizations, such as scouting groups, can furnish children with a profound spiritual connection while concurrently fostering a sense of belonging for both offspring and guardians. Lastly, engaging in charitable endeavors through volunteering at the church provides a twofold advantage of aiding others and cultivating profound relationships with fellow devotees.
When a person is in a difficult stage of his or her life, whether it is for a brief moment because of a painful problem, sadness, or his feeble faith has left him prey to excessive worry, it is a beneficial practice to “take some time off.” During this leave of absence, the believer is to seek to be in the presence of godly people or to be alone. This should not be considered running away from problems, but rather it is a spiritual retreat. A time to regroup and consider his steps in light of God’s will. It is certainly acceptable for one to take leave all at once or over the course of several days. During this time, there are several things he should seek to do. He is to seek Jah and His strength, seek His face continually. This can be through more in-depth personal devotional time, studying and researching all that has been revealed to us through Christ, and through prayer. He should also take some time to pour out his heart to God in prayer, complaining if he must, about the state of his soul, the problems he faces, and the apparent absence of God. This can be done through longer, more concentrated specific prayer time, or keeping a prayer journal. A third thing to be done during this time is to consider past events and how he got to this point, how coming to pass has come to be. He should consider his walk with God, past sins, attitude and actions towards others, and his attitude towards his current situation. This can bring about conviction which will lead to repentance. The final thing to be done during this time is to bring to mind who God is, His nature, and all that He has revealed. This can help to stir up desire for God and increase faith. This can be done through further study in God’s word and fervent seeking through prayer and meditation.
Bonar starts with an invitation from God, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee” (Ps. lv.22). The burden here, more often than not, is the weight of an anxious mind. The peculiarity of the invitation is that it comes from the Lord to the one who is already His. As believers, the troubled heart is no stranger to us, neither is the peace which surpasses understanding. God, in inviting us to cast our burdens upon Him, is calling us to exchange our burdens for His peace, a peace which we don’t fully understand in the midst of our affliction, but a peace which will lighten the burden and confirm His sustaining help. God’s acceptance of our burdens is not a loan that He intends to repay. He invites exchange, our burdens for His peace, and He commands us to let it be a permanent exchange: “Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. iv. 6).
For the believer troubled by trials, surrendering their cares to God may prove to be an ambiguous and complex task. Writings, both secular and religious, offer much advice on the matter but sometimes fail to provide proper direction on the execution of such advice. Perspicuous advice on the ‘how’ of the matter is given by Horatius Bonar in the context of encouragement to weary believers.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 reveals that the Lord proclaims, “I know the plans I have for you. These plans aim to bring joy and protection, providing optimism and a promising future.” Grasping the meaning of this verse can be uplifting when faced with hardships as it indicates that the Lord has a purposeful blueprint for each person. It suggests that we can discover motivation in realizing that our lives possess a clear path, and that the Lord desires favorable outcomes for us. By placing our trust in His plans and seeking His guidance, we can foster the drive to keep moving forward and embrace the hope and promising future that He has in store for us.
Heavenly Father,
In the midst of my deep sorrow and overwhelming challenges, I reach out to you, the highly esteemed Courier of Supreme Reality and the symbol of hope, seeking comfort, assurance, and peace. In this tumultuous and uncertain time, I humbly beseech you to kindly offer me an unyielding source of boundless strength and unwavering courage. Help me summon the resilience and determination to fearlessly confront and overcome the immense obstacles that lie ahead, for I have unwavering belief in the immeasurable power of your all-encompassing affection that forever surrounds and embraces me.
In my genuine search for comfort and solace, I earnestly implore you to ignite the flickering kindness, bringing forth the soothing solution of prayer. Guide me towards the haven of serenity, where I can find divine solace and unwavering tranquility of mind. Grant me the ability to access the unbeatable support and unwavering understanding of my cherished community, uplifting my exhausted spirit and relieving the burdens that weigh heavily on my weary soul.
Amidst the darkness of hopelessness, may your profound wisdom and timeless teachings become the guiding influence, illuminating my journey with steadfast clarity and enlightenment. May your ancient lessons provide me with invaluable understanding, guiding my tired steps towards a more hopeful future. Therefore, I entreat you to bestow upon me the divine strength to absorb and internalize the profound truth contained within the sacred words of your teachings.
During this transformative odyssey, I humbly endeavor to nurture an unwavering essence of gratitude, prepared to welcome the boundless favors that radiate from your heavenly kindness. Gently implant within my core an unwavering faith in your heavenly guidance, empowering me to release my anxieties and uncertainties into the tender embrace of your limitless and unwavering affection. In the midst of these uncertain days, may my deep-seated recognition soar akin to a majestic avian creature amidst the expanse of the heavens.
With my unwavering faith firmly anchored in your all-powerful presence, I draw strength, comfort, and unwavering bravery. Within your divine majesty, I discover a fortress of unwavering resilience that empowers me to triumph over the adversities that aim to undermine me. Gracious Messenger of Supreme Reality, I surrender myself completely to your divine guidance, trusting that your boundless kindness and wisdom are eternally intertwined with my journey through life. May I forever remain enveloped in your infinite love, seeking comfort through supplication, unwavering support within my cherished community, and limitless enlightenment within your sacred teachings.
Amen.
Jesus has prepared something extraordinary for those ready to take the next step in faith and abundance. With this gift, you’ll discover renewed hope, prosperity, and the strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges.