Encouragement for Today

January 25, 2024 The One Who Can Truly Comfort Us LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

What heavy burdens are weighing you down right now?

A situation that seems impossible to figure out.
Financial stress and pressure.
Hope so long deferred it makes your heart sick.
Anxiety over your child’s future.
Broken promises from someone you thought you could trust.

Whether you’re experiencing one of these or something else, here is my prayer for you: May you catch even the slightest glimpse of the tender mercy of our Lord Jesus. For one drop of God’s mercy is better than an ocean of the world’s comfort.

You see, Jesus deeply understands and cares for us. If only we could see the wonder of His love. The skies He paints, the flowers He blooms, the plans He arranges just for us. The love letters He’s written to us throughout the Bible.

These are all mercies from Him.

The world will offer us relief in the form of escapes. But trying to fill our aching hearts with things that won’t satisfy us is like trying to fill an ocean with a tablespoon. It’s never enough. So we clench our fists and keep trying to find something to comfort us.

If only we knew how to open our hands and catch the drops of His tender mercy. If only we knew how to release the weight of trying to fix it all ourselves. If only we knew how to stop in the midst of it all and whisper, Dear Jesus … help me. Just a whispered breath forming the wholeness of His name carries all the power, wisdom and grace we need to handle what we face.

If only we knew.

If you find yourself wanting to escape today, ask Jesus to help you, comfort you and direct you. Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us how approachable He is, how He understands our struggles and graciously offers us help and hope: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (NIV).

When we’re at a breaking point, “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3, NIV) will sustain us. Indeed, one drop of the Lord’s mercy is better than an ocean of the world’s temporary comforts.

Dear Jesus, I don’t want to spend another day chasing after things that will never satisfy me. Instead, I pray that I would begin to see truly how high and how deep is the love You have for me. Help me notice You at work in my life, and teach me to fully embrace Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Did you know that your words have the power to bring someone else comfort? This is your year to take the next steps in sharing the story God has given you … and COMPEL Writers Training is here to help! Registration for COMPEL Training is open for a limited time. With your membership, you’ll get access to guided courses that will help you grow in every area of your craft regardless of where you start, one-of-a-kind publishing opportunities throughout the year, and a tight-knit community that will cheer you on and remind you of why you are pursuing this calling. Don’t delay … Sign up today!

ENGAGE

Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 4:14, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (NIV).

What do these words from Jesus mean to you as you think about running to Him instead of worldly comforts? What worldly comfort can you lay down today? Invite the Holy Spirit to help you do this.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.