The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:1-3 NIV)
Have you ever wished you had a “magic wand” that could just fix all the things that were wrong? I’ve had three conversations this week where I said that. A wife struggling deeply in her marriage. A manager whose rightful employee decisions led to strife and name-calling. A church very deeply hurt by decisions in leadership that will probably lead to lawsuits. A daughter whose life has gone far from the godly upbringing she had. A grandson addicted to gaming and unable to hold down a job. Some situations seem so hopeless – so stuck – that we wish we had a magic wand to “fix” it.
If you’ve lived any degree of life, you know that none of us have such magic wands.
What we do have is faith and prayer. We have courage and perseverance. And we have a God who already knows everything — and is working it all out for our good, even when we can’t see it yet.
Today, may I encourage you to hold on to hope in the hardest situations. Keep interceding for those terribly hard things. The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER ceases. He never quits hearing our prayers. He never quits calling his wayward and prodigal children back home. He never quits reaching out to those whose lives are such a mess. He heals. He delivers. He restores. He is the Great I AM, faithful, true, ever-present, and ever loving.
God,
Thank you for your faithfulness and steadfast love. Thank you that when we feel crushed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, you are still holding us up and holding us fast.
God, today we pray for all those who need a miracle or a breakthrough in hard situations. You are the One who breaks open the way so those you love will break through the impediment and go forward. We pray that you would MOVE as only you can, to bring healing, restoration, peace, and a dramatic improvement in the circumstances.
We pray that you would restore overflowing hope to those who are trying to pray for these seemingly hopeless situations. You are the Way-Maker, Miracle-Worker, Promise-Keeper, and we worship you and thank you for the breakthroughs and miracles you will do in these situations. We ask all this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11 NIV)
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head. (Micah 2:13 NIV)