When All Seems Lost

It truly seems like the world is going from bad to worse.

With the pandemic, new diseases, wars in various areas, and unrest in many places, we are all affected and suffering in some way.

But even in difficult times, the psalmist reminds us that God is all-powerful. He is always there when we need him. “He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?” (Psalm 94:9, 10, ESV).

How could the One who created everything not have the power to help us if we ask Him? What is more, He already knows what we need before we ask Him—even before we know we need it. Often the connotation for the word discipline is negative, but sometimes what we think is a punishment is actually a situation that God uses to teach us, one that will strengthen us for the days ahead. Even in these moments of difficulty and sadness, God promises, “The Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage” (verse 14, ESV). He never abandons us, even though sometimes we feel He may have.

And that gives me great peace and tranquility.

If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul (verses 17–19, ESV). So even in moments where we feel tempted, tired, and about to slip, God is there to help us; we only have to ask. Even in our worries, those that steal our peace of mind, God is there to comfort us and cheer our spirits. If we remember what God has done for us in the past, we will be reassured of His help in the future. “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge” (verse 22, ESV). We all go through difficult times, and if you are struggling through one today, take a moment to stop and think back on how the Lord has helped you in the past.

No matter how hard the situation or how awful the pain, God is always close to His children.

Cecilia Nanni