Discouragement

Our finished basement had just flooded—for the second time. I was bone-weary, exhausted and discouraged beyond words as we dragged furniture out onto the lawn and pulled up soaked carpeting and padding—again. I cried out to the Lord in the midst of my discouragement—but unbeknownst to me, He was already at work. Neighbors came with warm meals; men came with shovels. One precious mom even brought over a pizza bar, to the delight of our kids. As we ate homemade pizza surrounded by ruined furniture, I heard the Lord’s gentle reminder: “I am here.” Because of our flooded basement, we made new friends. Because our oven went out, another mom saw an opportunity to bless us—and that pizza dinner investment is still paying friendship dividends today. Weary mom . . . when we cry out to the Lord, He always hears our cries. His ways are beyond our ways, and sometimes they include a hot meal in the middle of the mess. Don’t let your heart stay discouraged. God is up to something good!

WHEN YOU NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT GOD HEARS YOU . . .

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The righteous person faces many troubles,

but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.

WHEN YOUR MOTHER’S HEART IS ACHING . . .

Give your burdens to the LORD,

and he will take care of you.

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

He heals the brokenhearted

and bandages their wounds.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

WHEN YOU FEEL ANYTHING BUT STRONG . . .

Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.