Some years ago I passed through a time of discouragement. I can’t remember the source of the struggle, but I recall the fruit. I created a tool for divine encouragement. I collected God’s words of affirmation in one place and turned them into a letter. Next time you are feeling low, read these thoughts and let God lift your spirit.
Dear child of mine,
I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.[i]
You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won’t I give you everything else? [ii]
When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.[iii]
So, don’t worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the LORD encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you, directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.[iv]
I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low spirited and spirit crushed. I put new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?[v]
You sometimes say, “The Lord has deserted me; the Lord has forgotten me.” But can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? Even if that were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless Lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are valuable to me.[vi]
Give me your burdens; I will take care of you.[vii]
Your Maker, your Father,
God
[i] Is.51:12;1 Cor.6:20;Col.2:10;Is.62:4-5;Heb.13:5
[ii] Lk.10:41;Prov.3:5;Rom.8:26;Col.1:11;Rom.8:32;Judg.5:21
[iii] Is.43:2
[iv] Mt.6:34;Ps.121:4-5;Ps.34:7;Ps.31:20;Deut.31:6;Ps.37:23-24;Ps.32:8
[v] Gen.41:52;Is.61:3;Is.57:15;Ps.30:5;Rom.8:31
[vi] Is.49:14-15;1 Pet.1:19;John 10:28;Is.49:16;John15:15;Mt.10:30-31
[vii] Ps.55:22
