Truth in the Midst of Hardship

3 minute read

“For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.  He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” Psalm 22:24   

This coronavirus has sure been dealing out its fair share of blows lately.  I think it’s safe to say the virus took most of us by surprise. What we thought was a minor flu, came and took from us more than we could have imagined.  To some, it has taken sports seasons and school semesters away. To others, it has taken away physical interactions with family, friends, and support systems.  To others yet, it has taken the lives of coworkers, friends, loved ones, etc. Regardless of what we have lost, nearly all of us have lost something, and we have all been affected by this virus in one way or another.  

It is hard to know what to say in times like these.  Every time I turn on the news, there seems to be more to grieve.  More to fear. There is not much this world is offering (or can offer) in terms of comfort, so if you’re anything like me you’ve found yourself getting stuck many times in cycles of anxiety and worry.  As I’ve wrestled with my own anxieties these past few weeks, I have been drawn time and time again to God’s Word and the truth that lies therein. Each time I have opened up my Bible, I’ve been gently reminded of God’s ever-present faithfulness.  Whether in the Psalms, in the gospels, or in the Old Testament, I have seen the Lord’s steady love carry His people through the very worst of times. One passage in particular that comes to mind is Psalm 66:9-12, which says, 

Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.  You have tested us, O God, you have purified us like silver.  You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.  Then you put a leader over us.  We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

Later in the passage (v. 16-20), in celebration of God’s faithfulness, the psalmist writes, 

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.  For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke.  If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.  But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.  Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Nowhere in Scripture has life on earth been free of pain, sorrow, illness, or danger.  But all throughout Scripture, there are truths and promises we can continually remember.  As we continue to navigate the suffering surrounding us, we can still hope for great healing.  If not today, maybe tomorrow. If not then, maybe a month from now. If not this lifetime, the next.  We can rest in truth, knowing that God does listen, that He doesn’t ignore our prayers, and that He won’t withdraw His unfailing love from us.  May we cry out to Him, praising Him as we do, and wait expectantly for Him to answer.

Written: Bekah Walter

Bekah is on staff with Athletes in Action Women’s Basketball in Xenia, OH.
Instagram: @bekahlynn23

Countdown

3 Simple Joys 

• Coffee shops
• Exploring new places
• Outdoorsy things

2 Hobbies

• Poetry
• Dr. Phil

1 Favorite Passage 

• Psalm 13