In a spiritual desert of affliction? Read these 8 scriptures to lift and empower you
Article By Alena Dupré // EEW Magazine // Spiritual
Life can sometimes make you feel so bogged down, discouraged and depleted, almost as if you are stuck in a deserted, dry wilderness, with no hope for escape.
But the word of God is here to empower you in the worst times and strengthen you through every affliction. Need to be reminded that God is able to bring you out? Here are 8 empowering verses to read:
Romans 12:12 (NIV) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” This verse is a powerful reminder that the way to get through your wilderness season of affliction is to remain joyful, patient and faithful. When you do these three things, you can rest assured that God will respond to your faithfulness and richly reward you for the confidence you have placed in Him.
Psalms 18:2 (NIV) “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” In the most unfavorable conditions, when it seems like you can’t take the heat anymore, remembering who God is will awaken boldness and courage in you. He is your mighty deliverer, a fortress, and a conquering Savior.
Romans 8:18 (NLT) “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” On your weariest days, tell yourself, change is coming. Your present suffering is leading to a future glory that is beyond comparison. You see, suffering is a time-limited event. God has something better planned, which leads to our next verse.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’" When Judah was still in Babylonian captivity, God reminded them through prophecy that His good plan for them would still come to pass. This word is yours to apply, too. If your plans are falling apart right now, don't worry. Just know that God has something amazing ahead. Trust His plan.
Psalms 42:11 (NIV) “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” This scripture is one of the greatest pep talks in the Bible. It reveals what to do in uncertain times and that is, to encourage yourself. Shake yourself out of that slump. Command your soul to praise God, despite desperate times. Put your hope, not in man, not in your circumstances, not in your own power, but in God—for He never fails.
Psalms 23:4 (NIV) “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Dark valleys, dry wildernesses, fiery furnaces of affliction are all places of discomfort that every believer must walk through on occasion. But this verse is a reminder that God is always with you and you need not fear. Though the terrain may be rough, He will lead and guide you over it, comforting you all the way.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This amazing passage shifts your focus away from your negative circumstances to the incredible power of God. Knowing that the Lord will help and uphold you is so empowering when you would otherwise feel alone and forsaken.
Psalms 3:3 (NLT) “But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” God, the lifter of your head is also the lifter of your spirits—the One who can put a smile on our face, as He shields you. No matter how negative the events of life and the details of your story are, He will give you joy and rescue you at the appointed time.
Though you can’t always control your physical environment, you can control your spiritual atmosphere. While you may be in a desert of affliction, when you tap into the power of the word of God, it will transform your internal condition and empower you to plow forward, and come out victoriously every time.
