Encouragement for Today

August 16, 2023 Holding On to Truth in Trying Times JASMINE WILLIAMS Lee en español

“Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:16 (ESV)

I’ve always had a soft spot for sleeping in on the weekends. The thing is: The longer I sleep, the harder it is to fit in all the things that are important to me. I know getting up earlier on Saturday mornings would give me more time to tackle the many ideas and projects that swirl around in my mind. Still, right at those moments when the alarm beeps, all logic goes flying out the window!

Yes, I know hopping out of bed without hitting the snooze button over and over would help me to accomplish more in the day. But that truth gets lost somewhere in the corners of my mind when my bed is feeling extra warm and cozy after a full week.

It’s a lot like everyday life, you know? There’s always such a thin line between knowing the truth and holding on to it when we need it most. Sleeping in is one tiny example, but we all have those tough times when it’s just difficult to live by the truth we know.

When Paul said to the Philippians, “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:16), he knew there would be times when clinging to God's Truth would be the only way for them to keep living out their faith.

When life’s circumstances don’t seem to line up with the joy we find in Christ, it can be easy to forget how good God is. Those challenging moments can awaken a fight-or-flight response in us that makes us feel alone and unseen, as if we have nothing to rely on but ourselves. All the truths of God, even if we believe them to be accurate, somehow seem so far away.

Like the Philippians, we, too, need reminding to hold on to what we know to be true about God: He is good (Psalm 31:19). He is faithful and trustworthy (Psalm 57:10). He loves us beyond measure (John 3:16).

God knows that when you’re battling sickness, it takes faith to declare He is a healer. When you have loved ones fighting addiction, it takes perseverance to believe He sets captives free. Still, God uses His Word to remind us to hold on to Truth even when it's hard.

The view from our circumstances doesn’t determine His greatness, but His greatness can empower how we view our circumstances. From his own experience as a persecuted follower of Jesus, Paul knew the Philippians would face hard times that would test their faith, and that's why he told them to cling to Christ.

So today, friend, I want to encourage you to live out God’s Truth even when everything around you seems to declare the opposite. It may sound like a daunting assignment, but God is with you. He is a healer, a deliverer, and all else that you need Him to be.

When we can’t see a way out and we feel powerless, God’s Truth tells us we are more than conquerors in Him (Romans 8:37). We have an overwhelming victory in Christ, and nothing that happens on this side of eternity can stop God's plans for us as we hold on to His Truth.

God, thank You for being all I need even when I can’t see how it’s going to work out. When things feel uncertain, help me to remember Your unfailing promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Announcing our newest event … Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul with Proverbs 31 Ministries! Join us on October 7 at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, for a one-day event where you can experience uninterrupted time away from the noise of your daily life and connect with Jesus through intentional worship. Hear from Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Wendy Blight as you gather with other women who are seeking to grow deeper in their faith too. Click here to sign up today!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (ESV).

Do you have a go-to Bible verse for tough times? If not, what’s a verse you can commit to memory and hold on to when life feels challenging? Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2023 by Jasmine Williams. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org