Most of us want to be there for people when they are hurting. One of the first things we say is “I will pray for you” or “Hang in there. It’s going to all work out.” Sometimes we quote comforting scriptures (that we can remember) and put our arm around them and give them a hug. But do we believe it? Do we mean it deep down?
We mean that we will pray for them and we believe that God will take care of their situation.
We may quote Romans 8;28a: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
We use James 4:7 a lot when praying for addictions or temptations: “Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When comforting someone who is struggling with something they have done, a popular scripture we may quote is Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.”
If someone is worrying about a child, a parent, a work situation, we use scriptures that encourage them to turn it all over to the Lord. Matthew 6:34: “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Or Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us.” Or Matthew 19:26 – “Jesus looked at them said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
We encourage people to put on the full armor of God and fight the wicked devil with everything in them – scripture, prayer, voice, Holy Spirit.
But let’s not forget that it’s not just for others; it’s for us, too. It’s easy for us to dish out this advice and encourage others and quote scriptures to let them know God’s got this. It’s the same for us. We have to believe it when we are going through these difficult and trying times, too.
Remember to use all this encouragement, prayer, scripture and belief on YOURSELF, too. Because God loves us ALL just as we are but He loves us too much to allow us to stay that way. He’s got this. Because what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.
