“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” -Psalms 22:1
It’s easy to praise and glorify God when things are rosy and there is plenty. But, in situations of trial and heartache and tribulation and suffering–it’s even more important to praise God more.
Everyone, even the none Christians know the example of Job in the bible–when he had everything taken from him: his things, his friends, his family. His wife tells him in Job 2:9 he should “curse God, and die.”
However, Job responded in such a way that removed any doubt as to how he felt about his turn of fortune.
“Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”-Job 2:10 this diplomatic response is reminiscent of the one Fashola gave when asked about his loyalty, he said ‘May our loyalty never be tested in Jesus name’.
Tragedy and misery are times for building. Questioning God in times of great adversity is normal, but to give up on Him is to give up on the grand purpose.
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” -Prov. 24:10
God has commanded His people to be strong.
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” -Joshua 1:9
How do you tell if God is near and how do you stick by Him? The following 3 ways may help.
Prayer is the key.
One of the first and most important things you can do is pray. 18th-century poet and hymn writer William Cowper said, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees.” Prayer is communication and is not just one-way. Is it fair to doubt God when talking to Him hasn’t even been tried? Talk to God and meditate, it will relieve you, trust me.
God is not dead, he is with you
You just need to believe, even if your faith is like a mustard seed–you can move mountains. Have you seen a mustard seed before? I really do not believe our normal faith is not even that significant. Just look for His works in your life and count your blessings. Something wonderful happens and so many believe it is just coincidence. Who even made the word coincidence?
God uses people for you
God will not come down from the sky and feed you when you are hungry and have no means to get food. God can use a neighbor to rescue you, but some people are so paranoid they don’t accept help from people and somehow still blame God for their hunger. Who feeds the birds in the sky? Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.
When you are not in the right state, It may be easy to feel abandoned, but it is necessary to know hardships are meant to strengthen and challenge us.
So follow these steps and don’t hesitate to add what I missed. We need God more than ever in this nation today. So if you don’t have anything to pray for–thank him and then pray for your country and everyone suffering around the world.