In Our Afflictions, He Hears Us—part 2

From an early age, I learned—from the example of my mother—that God hears the cries of our hearts and the prayers we offer up with faith in His promises. Therefore, I want to encourage you mothers around the world who face hardships in life. God the Father will strengthen us when we call on Him for help. He will listen to our prayers and help us with our needs. We may be struggling with so many different hardships, but God gives us unfailing encouragement through His Word. Are you alone today? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV).

Are you depressed? Cast all burdens on him “because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). Do you have addictions? Let Jesus set you free (John 8:36). What about the need to unload your stress and find rest? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Has someone betrayed you or cheated on you? “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans” (Psalm 118:8, NIV).

Are you struggling with temptation? “Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, NIV).

Have you been considering suicide? “The cords of death entangled me. . . . Then I called on the name of the LORD. . . . Our God is full of compassion” (Psalm 116:3–5, NIV).

Are you grieving? The heavenly Father Himself “comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NIV). He will also give us relief from guilt (see 1 John 1:8, 9; Isaiah 1:18).

Mothers, you are not alone. God is close to you with your struggles in life. Please be encouraged by the stories of His faithfulness and through His promises, which He makes to you.

Lucy Taolo Julius