Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more (Psalm 71:20-21).
Loving God and Father in heaven, You do not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone (Lamentations 3:33). But we know that we live in a world of troubles, many and bitter.
Father, troubles come for many reasons. Many things we do not understand, but help us to understand that You are good, that You are sovereign over all, and that Your love is unfailing.
Help us to remember Your goodness, Your sovereignty, and Your love even when man-made disasters or natural forces cause us harm. Even when disease, damage, or accident, finds us. Even when we are intentionally or accidentally hurt or grieved by the choices and decisions of others. Even when our own deliberate sin, mistakes, or wrong choices bring us trouble.
Thank You that You are a God who forgives, heals, and restores. You are a God who comforts and sustains.
Lord, when our courage fails, when our hope is crumbling, when our hearts are overwhelmed, when our spirits are fading, point us to the cross. Remind us that beyond the horror of crucifixion is the joy and the power of resurrection.
Remind us that the Lord Jesus, the One who came to ultimately deliver us from trouble has already overcome the world. Remind us of His express promise of peace in Him even in the midst of trouble. (John 16:33).
Father, for those struggling today with troubles, many and bitter, we pray for the promised peace of Jesus. We pray for full assurance, like the psalmist, that You will restore life, deliver from the depths, increase honor, and renew comfort.
We pray that You would bring beauty out of the ashes. In Your own perfect way. Help us to trust You even in pain, bitterness, grief and sorrow. Thank You that You will bring us through.
There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God; A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God; Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God; A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.
~ Cleland B. McAfee ~ 1903
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