“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”2 Thessalonians 2:15–17
When we are discouraged, scared, hurting, or afraid, there are few things that are a greater source of help and encouragement than hearing from someone that they know we are facing hard times and they are praying for us. Yet the truth is that there are times when we do not receive that kind word, assurance of prayer, or encouraging note. There are a number of reasons why encouragement may fail. Many hurts are carried silently, without ever being shared with others. Sometimes people are silent because they do not know what to say. Other times the busyness of life may prevent that needed word from coming.
But in those moments when we have no human source of help, we are not without hope. While it is nice to receive encouragement from people, the ultimate resource for comfort is God. No matter how severe the challenge may be and how alone we may feel, God is always available to help us.
At one of the lowest moments in David’s life, when his possessions and family had been captured and taken away and his own men wanted to kill him, David found help in the Lord. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). There is no challenge we face that is beyond His ability to help and no burden we carry which He does not feel.:
