beads cross prayer rosary

Good news in the midst of my suffering

We ache for good news in medical challenges. We pray for good outcomes to the hardships our kids and grandkids are experiencing. We grieve when good things disappear. We live in a fallen and fearful world in which sin and resulting suffering affect everything.  We need good news, don’t we? Read more…

silhouette of person raising hands

Nothing at all can separate me from God’s love

How can a loving God let this happen to me? Including Job and myself, I don’t know one person who’s experienced deep suffering and hasn’t asked this question in moments of pain and despair. As a mature believer, Job lamented to God, “I loathe my life…do not condemn me…I am Read more…

beautiful country countryside daylight

Finding hope when I feel hopeless

Lord, I want this pain to end on earth because it’s so difficult. Sometimes, it all makes me feel hopeless. You compassionately understand that feeling, giving us Job’s words to express it: “Where is my hope?” (Job 17:15). Just like when Job’s “plans and desires” were shattered, bringing despair (Job Read more…

star shaped christmas lights

Peace in suffering at Christmas…in the gospel of Christ

We’ve flipped the calendar and here we are, entering Advent. So, we begin to sing the old familiar hymn… Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Wesley, C., 1739) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk. Read more…

gray and brown cave near on the ocean

In Christ, my grief ends in glory

Lord, perhaps we all need a good cry right now. We’ve collectively walked through many losses in the last two years. Perhaps many wordless prayers have become sighs rather than songs. Maybe Job’s words ring true… Like Job, please help us to share every honest emotion with You in our Read more…

Near to God by Lauri A. Hogle

You are worthy of my praise, Lord

God, I come to You in moments of despair and stress as I walk through this fallen world’s deep suffering. It’s exhausting, so I’m battling the enemy’s insidious lies just as Jesus did. Your Word is Your offensive weapon (Eph. 6). So, help me cling to Your Word’s truths about Read more…

photo of man sitting on a cave

Find hope in hope-“less” times of suffering

Father, I feel less hope today, hope-“less” as I suffer. You know this is normal when suffering brings constant turmoil. Throughout the ages, Your people have sung to You in hope-“less” times of suffering. Please help me to find hope in Your Word, God. Please give me hope in the Read more…

green trees

Praying to the great I AM, Alpha and Omega

Lord Jesus Christ, when suffering overwhelms me, I must remember how big You are.  I am the Alpha and the Omega…who is and who was and who is come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8 ESV). Jesus, You are I AM. You are self-existent, constant, and You always accomplish Your purposes. You Read more…

yellow sunflower and red apple fruits on green table

Give thanks to God, in all circumstances

Our precious Father recently introduced me to a new friend in Christ, older and refined by many surgeries and lifelong complications. We immediately and empathetically understood one another, having walked through similar challenges in our earthly lives. We laughed, cried, shared stories, and praised the Lord together. What was her Read more…

brown wooden dock

Help me to praise You when I don’t feel happy, God

When life’s suffering brings us to our knees, we need God’s help in many ways. If you’re like me, emotions quickly cloud my thoughts. I need His help. Praising God in the midst of pain somehow doesn’t feel emotionally authentic. Am I feeling emotionally happy when I’m in physical agony? Read more…

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