Bible verses: Psalm 42

There are times in our lives when everything looks dark – sad, hopeless. We break up with our girl or boyfriend, we fail a test, lose a job, our parents get divorced, loved ones die, – you could go on and on. And often there are no easy answers to why things do or don’t happen. Life down here on earth is hard – very hard at times and we best get used to it.

The Psalmist experienced this too, “My tears have been my food,” he says. He was very, very sad – crying constantly.

When I have gone through difficult times – and there have been many in my life – I have learned that sometimes you just have to endure the trial, and quietly trust in God. It would be nice if we knew just how long the trial would go on, but you never do. It might be a few hours – it might be days – or even years. (Sorry for the bad news.)

So how do you keep your faith during these dark times? I’ve found that it helps to remember. Remember what the Lord has done in the past to bring joy, to deliver me or others, to strengthen my faith or to build character in my life. Remember that He never changes, even though the world around us does. My experience is that all trials can bring about good if I keep trusting the Lord and keep hoping in Him. And honestly I’ve observed this in others’ lives too. Trials tend to bring people closer to God, and make us more like Him.

So, when you go through a dark time in your life, remember God. Things will get better! Remember the good times He’s brought you and put your hope in Him alone. (Psalm 42:4) Dear Lord, help me this day to remember your goodness and love and that you will always be with me. - Marcia M.