Our Daily Bread: Hope and Strength for Times of IllnessSample

Out Of The Dust Feeling Low? Struggling with one of life’s worst-case scenarios? You’re not alone. It would be fantastic if we could recite some spiritually charged words and make all of our problems go away, but that’s just not going to happen. Life is not all smiles and happy hearts—even for the people of God. Yet even from the darkest expressions of sadness can come the hope of help. The despair of the psalmist, recorded in Psalm 119, leads to the promise of comfort and mercy. Out of tribulation can arise new understanding and strength. The psalmist freely expressed his feelings and his trust that God would take care of him. “My soul clings to the dust” (119:25). Then a plea to God: “Revive me according to Your Word.” “My soul melts from heaviness” (119:28). Then the hope in God’s provision: “Strengthen me according to Your Word.” “I will run the course of Your commandments” (119:32). Even in the midst of deep trials, the psalmist was committed to obeying God. Yes, express your despair to the Lord—but don’t stop there. Ask Him for mercy and strength. Commit to obeying Him. Cling to His promises in the Scriptures. He will be faithful to see you through any trial. —Dave Branon If we have hope, we can go on.