Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.

~Psalm 138:7a ESV

I watched the daffodil’s golden hues fluttering in the breeze as the earth woke from its winter sleep, and I found hope in troubling times.

Normally, the changing seasons invoke joy within me, but the tears flowing from my eyes reminded me of my family’s great loss.

My father-in-law went to be with Jesus only thirteen months after my own father had lifted his eyes to glory. To say life felt chaotic, heavy, and hard doesn’t fully hit the mark—but I don’t possess the words to offer an accurate description. Still, I was determined to take my brokenness to Jesus and implore Him to put the pieces of my heart back together.

The Psalms have become fertile ground for my soul, and that morning I heard the Holy Spirit whisper words of hope into my heart as I read, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life” (Psalm 138:7a ESV). I couldn’t stop a tear from escaping as I thought about the magnitude of the psalmist’s declaration.

The small but powerful word “in” found within this Scripture impacted me. I recognized God preserves me while I am in my troubles. My Savior assured me. When the enemy of my soul seeks to hold me captive to despair, I can have confidence in God’s power to comfort me and carry me through.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

~ Psalm 46:1 ESV

Are you drowning in the chaos of life? Does trouble threaten to snuff out your hope? Remember we have a hope beyond earthly explanation, and it does not depend on our circumstances. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ—the One familiar with “sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3 ESV). He will preserve us amid our troubles and fears. There is no place we can go that He is not there, and He feels our pain. Jesus Christ alone is our strength, and He will see us through.

What are some ways you can acknowledge God’s presence in your difficulties?

Lord Jesus, when heaviness on my heart threatens to crush my hope, help me to remember You are with me. You will chart a path to victory. My heart is safe with You. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Hope in Troubling Times: Rosann Coulon: All Rights Reserved