Encouragement That Holds Up Through the Hardest Seasons

Inside: There are platitudes, and then there’s truth that holds up. Keep reading for a few thoughts that provide hope and comfort during the darkest of days. ~

There are things I tell myself when the going gets especially rough. I’ve mined these bits of truth from scripture, from the rearview mirror of my own life, from watching dear ones walk through trials far greater than any I’ve ever endured.

I shared some of these thoughts here in January 2019. I had no idea that in the coming months, both of my parents would slowly decline and then die within five weeks of each other. I had no inkling of the havoc those losses would wreak in my body, mind and heart.

Flashback

I stumbled across that old blog post a few weeks ago. I was curious to see how those words I wrote to encourage others had held up during my own hard days and nights.

Turns out, they held up well, which is why I decided to share them with you again today. If you’re in the middle of a dark or heavy season, my prayer is that the following thoughts will comfort you and give you hope.

• You will not always feel how you feel today.

• It may seem like you are the only one who has ever been where you are right now, but you’re not.

• Somehow, you will get used to your new normal.

• You will find a way to live with what Ann Voskamp calls “your one broken heart.”

• Your current struggle will not always be the last thing on your mind when you go to sleep and the first thing you think about when you wake up.

• When you come out on the other side, you will be changed. Don’t try to predict it; just expect it.

• The longer you live, the more times this process will repeat itself in your life.

• God will work out what you are going through for your good and His glory.

A Few Final Thoughts

Day by day—whatever you do and however you feel—hold fast to God and His Word. Seek out His promises. Trust in His never-ending faithfulness.

Remember: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it. He will fulfill His purpose for you. He will not abandon the work of His hands.

He is with you. He is for you. He goes before you.

Always.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Inspire Me Monday, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.