This year has been both brutal and wonderful all at the same time. Poor combination of adjectives, you say? Yes, it’s been brutal. The entire world has struggled to make sense of a virus that has devastated so many lives in so many ways. And it still isn’t over. Is the end in sight? Only time will tell. Yes, this year has even been wonderful. God is working among us. He is here with us. In the midst of all this chaos, God is right here. He sees our hurts and our longings. He knows our dreams and our plans. God is a giver of life and hope. He gives good things and allows tests and trials to come upon us. But he is with us.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.

Think about it. God knows our need before we mention it to him. He knows our need even if we don’t tell him. He knows our need even if we deny his existence. He knows our need. He always knows our need. God sees everyone who is struggling. And if there’s been a year to struggle, this is it. There’s no denying that.

God is no stranger to our weakness. He sees our hurts and flaws. He is so familiar with our struggles and our needs. He sees it all. He calls us to shelter under the wing of his strength and righteousness. We can boast in our weakness, so the power of Christ can work through us.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

This season is bittersweet for some. Previous disappointments and struggles are reminders of what we’ve lost. Unfulfilled dreams point the finger of failure. It seems that we spend so much of our time focusing on our fears, that we forget to look for hope.  Our strength is in the Lord. Let’s relax in that thought for a second.

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Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” Isaiah 35:4

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Oh. Anxious heart. Be not fearful, because he holds you in the palm of his hand. He leads the way when the path is bumpy and unpaved. He knows your name. He knew you before he formed you in your mother’s womb. In your darkest hour of need, our heavenly Father is right by your side. He paves the way when there is no way. He is the lover of your soul. So stand strong. Be courageous. Be willing to fight the enemy as he advances. Resist evil.

Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us! 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Why do we tremble before the enemy of our soul? Why do we doubt the God we serve? Our God is mightier and stronger than the devil’s schemes. The enemy is out to bring us down with his disguise of self centeredness. Let’s not focus on ourselves. Let’s focus on the One who saves our souls. The One who gave his life for our sins. He is the Savior of the world. Let’s not be tricked by the enemy. The Lord is on our side. Oh. The enemy of our soul has an army fighting against us. But the lover of our soul fights for us. His truth will stand. We need only to be still. He will prevail.