Finding Hope in Dark Days
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ~ Romans 15:13
You may have heard about the plane crash that happened this past Tuesday in France. I know that plane crashes happen, but this one crushed me in particular. Not only was this a German airline (I can’t even remember a German airline ever crashing), it had an entire school class from Germany on board. The 16 students that lost their lives in this tragedy were on a school trip in Spain, returning home.
I cannot imagine the grief and pain their parents are going through right now. When I read about the crash on Wednesday morning, my first thoughts were: “Did these kids know Jesus?” “Do their parents believe in the resurrection?” “How can they find peace and hope without God in these dark days?”
I have had my fair share of dark days in my life. And honestly, the only thing that has kept me from total despair is my faith in Jesus. Without His strength, God’s Word, and prayers of my sisters in faith, I know I would have not made it through. I do get sad, but I know to Whom I can turn to when I need a little extra encouragement.
One of my favorite books of the New Testament is Philippians. I have memorized several passages that are a ‘go-to’ on those dark days. Paul wrote his most encouraging Epistle while in prison. Very dark days for him, but He turned to God to grant him peace to write this amazing letter. Paul writes in the 4th chapter:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
I love the part “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”…If my heart is really heavy with every-day life, I ask Jesus to calm my fears, my hurts. My hope is that the families that lost their precious children in the tragedy can find the hope and comfort in Jesus.
“Lord of mercy and grace. I am lifting up the hurting families to You. Lord, may you bring comfort, hope and peace into their lives. Lord, some days are dark and I am thankful that You are there to comfort me through the Spirit and Your Holy Word. Lord, I am also thankful for the precious women You have placed in my life what will pray for me when days are darker than midnight. I am trusting in Your mercy for the rest of my days. In Jesus’ precious name – Amen.”
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Thanks for sharing, I can’t tell you how much I needed this!!
Thank you, Iris. You’re so right, may the families find comfort in the God of all comfort. I know for me, this tragedy compounded by what our sweet friend Denise is going through, I’ve been reminded of the the importance of guarding our hearts and minds.
Pingback: » Finding Hope in Dark Days
The theme lately seems to be about getting through hard times. Agreeing with you in prayer for those hurting families.
Wonderful post! It was a terrible accident I am also keeping the Families in prayer,this post is most encouraging. For many seem to be going through dark times and our faith is what will always get us through! Have a wonderful week,