I REMEMBER GOD’S PROMISES WHILE I'M SUFFERING

This week, I am exploring what God says about SUFFERING.  As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 

Lord, teach me today about suffering.   

I desire to be receptive to the grace You give me,  

so my heart can be full of Your Holy Spirit. 

Let me consider the Word of God from Psalm 119:49-56: 

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. 

God’s Word gives me hope.  This is one thing I need to remember when I am suffering, God’s promise of hope preserves my life.  Nothing and no one can threaten my eternal life, for I am eternally secure in God’s hands. 

Even if the arrogant mock me unmercifully, I resolve to stay grounded in God’s Word.  Through His Word, I find comfort.  Even so, I am consumed with anger because of the wicked, who have forsaken Your law.  To calm myself, I sing of Your Word, which soothes my heart.  I sing of Your Name, so I may remember Your decrees and obey Your law. 

No mountain is too high for the Lord.  If I feel my problems are larger than life, I only need to remember that the Lord is greater than my problems.  My suffering is eased when I remember the eternal hope the Lord has given me. 

Lord, please help me to rejoice with my whole heart;  

I want to continually praise Your name. 

The Lord desires to comfort my heart in times of trouble.  Do I let trouble scare me, so fear riddles my mind and distracts me from looking to the Lord? 

Today I resolve to experience God more than I did yesterday and allow God to be all He wants to be in my life.  I confess those things which make me anxious and angry and ask Him to remove them from my heart.  Then, I rejoice in the Lord and remind myself How great He is!  

Lord, thank You for Your eternal presence in my life.  Without You, I would be nothing and hopeless.  I want You to be all that You desire to be in my life. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.