God's Grace in the Midst of Tough Times

How do we enjoy God's grace in the midst of tough times?  First we have to make a habit of drinking deeply of the grace God promises, every moment.  We have to uncover our soul and let grace soak us to our roots.

Second, we have to keep our sense of humor.  I find it helpful to have a few things up my sleeve for those tougher-than-usual days when the melons are landing on my head.  I have several funny videos that just knock me over.  Photographs of my friends and family always cheer me up.  So does getting out into the fresh air and walking.  Sometimes I read one of my favorite Psalms.

God is all around us, longing to talk to us, to love us, to lift us up.  Make up your own survival kit.  Find things that you know can lift you above the hubbub in your house and in your head.

written by Sheila Walsh

Surviving Struggles

Let your joy out. One way I do that is to give people something to laugh about.  How?  I collect jokes and write down everything I hear that makes me brighten up.  I make amusement a ministry because chuckles are better than a therapist.  They are aloe vera for he sunburns of life.  When the dumps take their toll, laughter provides the exact change to get you through. 

Whatever your troubles, try looking at them by the light of another source or a different star.  Go ahead; don't be afraid.  Find a wacky angle, a new twist.  Offer trouble a little serious thought, then turn it upside down and look at it through God-colored glasses.  Chew on trouble's possibilities for make you smarter, better, stronger, kinder.

Sample some weird and wonderful Jelly Bellies, Gobstoppers, or Sweet Tarts while you do that.  Then take the curved weapon I call joy and toss trouble by its funny side out into the world.

written by Barbara Johnson

Promises About Praise

I will praise you as long as I live, Lord, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  Psalm 63:4-5


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  Ephesians 1:3-4


As the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.  Isaiah 61:11

An Attitude of Praise

Praising God in song lifts our spirits, clears our heads, and opens a place for the Holy Spirit to speak to us.  God extends care to us by meeting our every need and comforting us when we go through trials.  Don't you think we have something to sing about?  Want to lift your spirits from the hustle and bustle of the day?  Sing to the Lord.  When praises go up, blessings come down.  Now isn't that something to sing about?

Promises About Our Response to Trouble

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28


For Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10


Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  
Romans 8:18


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

A Right Response

I cannot prevent the perplexities of life, but I can choose how I respond to them.  When I need a pity party, I literally set my clock for fifteen minutes.  Within that time frame, I whine and wail, beat myself up, throw a temper tantrum, break something or whatever I feel is appropriate to my circumstances at he moment.  When the alarm sounds, I know that's my cue to cut it out.

Admittedly, sometimes I've had to set the clock four times before I got it all out of my system!  But I think that one hour is long enough to stay in a state of insanity.  After I've used up my four times to reset the clock, I force myself to STOP.  I force myself to start praise music.  I just say, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."  The enemy of our soul flees at the name of Jesus.

While in this process, I calm down.  I start thinking more clearly.  I'm not as inclined to make irrational decisions.  If this works for me, it will certainly work for you. 

written by Thelma Wells

Promises for Your Busy Days

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says... "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  Jeremiah 31:23, 25


God gives strength to the wary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and wary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31


He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
Psalm 91:1