Encouragement in Difficult Times

“In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by Haggai” (Haggai 2:1).

The Lord always seeks to be an encourager. In the time of Haggai, the Hebrew captives who had returned from Babylon were very much discouraged. They had begun with great enthusiasm to build the Temple, but difficulties had risen. Then the Lord sent His servant Haggai to cheer up the governor and the people, so that they might go on through all the obstacles which faced them.

This is what the Lord is always doing with His children. He does not want us to ever yield to discouragement. Of course, life is hard at many points. There are often difficult tasks to perform and sore struggles to endure. Things often seem to fail in our hands. Our plans miscarry and our hopes disappoint us. We meet opposition and enmity, and it seems to us that we can never get through with the things we need to do.

But when we open the Bible, we find encouragement on every page. Therein we are taught to never yield to despair. There can be no failure in duty, if only we are faithful. We never can be defeated in temptation, if only we stand true to Christ. We can never sink under our burden, if only we cast it upon Jesus! The things that seem to be failures become successes when the Lord’s hand is in them. He always comes to encourage us in our difficulties. “Fear not; I am with you” – that is the formula of Divine cheer in every hour of trial. Therefore, we should never lose heart!

What difficult situations are you facing in your life or in your family right now? Have you cast your burden upon the Lord Jesus and searched the pages of Scripture for encouragement?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this article! Feel free to leave your reflections and ask your questions below.

God bless you and your family, this day and always.

All for our King’s glory,
Christian

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This post is another installment of Miller’s Monday Musings, a weekly series that is published every Monday on my website. The series features selected writings that have been adapted from the works of James Russell Miller (1840-1912), a much-beloved Christian author and pastor who is well-remembered for his practical thoughts on Christian home and family life. Learn more about this weekly series by clicking here.