Your Redeemer is Strong

I hate to admit how often I feel frustrated and even hopeless when my life isn't rosy. I grumble and complain. I wonder if I will ever get out of my current funk. I have myself a full-blown pity party, and invite everyone I know to join the celebration.

I forget, in a word, that I'm God's, and that He is fully able to pull me through, and even get me out of, my situation, whatever it may be. Despite the countless times He has done it in the past, I think that this time, He's just gonna let me suffer, or that He's (gasp!) not strong enough to get me out of whatever my issue is (whether major or minor). Well, I may not say it - but my actions certainly make it look like I believe it.

I was having struggles with this a bit ago, as related to at least three different issues--all incredibly minor. So, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised when my daily Bible reading found me lingering on a couple of verses in Jeremiah that I'm certain were not there the last time I read that book.

This is what the LORD Almighty says:
"The people of Israel are oppressed,
and the people of Judah as well.
All their captors hold them fast,
refusing to let them go.
Yet their Redeemer is strong;
the LORD Almighty is his name.
He will vigorously defend their cause
so that he may bring rest to their land,
but unrest to those who live in Babylon.
Jeremiah 50:33-34 NIV

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A paper jam, delayed mail, and writer's block are nothing compared to what the people of Israel were going through during the time of this writing. Babylon had just taken Judah captive and had removed them from their beloved land. Note - "all their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go." Now here, it seems, was a time to be hopeless, to whine and wallow in self-pity.

But that's not what happens. In this time of hopelessness, "their Redeemer is strong." What other hope do they need?

You know, their Redeemer hasn't changed. He is never too weak to handle what I am going through--and He always will. So leave the whine in the cellar, and cancel that pity party.

Your Redeemer is strong.


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How do you handle discouragement? Are you a pity partier? What helps YOU remember how strong your Redeemer is? Comment below, and/or stop by Living by Grace and we can chat a bit!



 
Traveling Rough Roads With God's Strength