Are you in a very hard place? What does your soul crave?  Here is an online Bible study.

How do you see yourself in the face of giants? Do you look at the circumstances and feel like a grasshopper, powerless and insignificant, or do you look to the promises of God and rise up as a victorious conqueror?

David was a young man who was much more impressed with the promises and authority that God had given him than he was with the giant who was opposing him. As the giant assaulted him with taunts and intimidation, David looked him square in the eye and responded:

You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1Samual 17:45-46, NKJV).

Clearly David did not see himself as a grasshopper in the eyes of this giant. He rose up and asserted himself in the truth of who God said he was.

God refers to us as kings and priests who have dominion and will reign on the earth.  We are mighty in the land and will do great exploits.  Our enemies will fear us and flee from us in seven directions, we are more than conquerors and our God always leads us in victory (Gen. 1:28, Deut 28:7, 10, Psalm 112:2, Romans 8:37)! Let’s take on life’s challenges as those who know our God, what He has done for us, and who we are through Christ. Then we can declare as David did “All the earth will know there is a God in Israel!”

“Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds, let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand” (Psalm 149:5-6, NKJV).

Questions: Why do we so often see ourselves as small and inadequate in the face of adversity? How can we develop an attitude like that which David had?

About the Author Emmie Stanley

Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Would you like us to pray for you?

“I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing” (Psalm 101:3, NIV).

This passage recalls to mind several adages from my youth. Charity begins at home. Cleanup your own backyard first. It is what you do and say behind closed doors that reveals your character.

All of these are true. What we practice away from the world defines how we will act and react in the world.  It is our responsibility to teach our children Our Lord’s truths and His Word.  It is also our responsibility to be an example to them. If we do not read the Bible, pray and practice the fruits of the Spirit in the privacy of our homes, how can we expect our children to learn to live that way?  Telling them to do as you say and not as you do never works, does it?

Even after the kids are long gone are we still responsible for acting the way we should in our homes. We should act as if Jesus was right there, because, guess what? He is. 24/7, 365 days a year.  Unless we practice being Christ-like in the safety of our homes, even though no one else is around to observe it, it will not become a deeply imbedded way of thinking and doing. How can Christ truly dwell in us if He does not dwell with us?

David knew this. Of course his house was much bigger- it was the whole of Israel. Still, it is a great Psalm to take to heart and remind ourselves that being a Christian is an ongoing thing, not just the way we act in public. To be otherwise is two-faced and deceptive. And we cannot serve two Masters, can we?

Ask yourself, who is Master in my house? Then take to heart what Joshua said to the tribes as they entered the Promised Land when he proclaimed that he and his house would serve the Lord. And each day, vow to keep the promise that David made in his Psalms: “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house, no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked…”  (Psalm 101: 7- 8a, NIV).

Questions: What things do you need to “put to silence” today?  What’s in your house that may be hindering your witness?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

The letter to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) describes a people who were patiently enduring the hardship they faced. They remained faithful to God but had little strength.  Do you love God, but feel weak and weary? Are you following Him, but wonder how much longer you can continue under the weight of your trouble? Take heart. The message to Philadelphia is a message for you.

God knows your heart.  He understands your struggle.

Though our strength is limited, God’s strength is not. He is almighty and nothing can stand against His power. What He opens, no one can shut; and what He shuts, no one can open. The trouble you face may be insurmountable for you, but it is not insurmountable  for God.

The apostle Paul writes, “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV). God has placed an open door before us that no one can shut. Ask Him for the power to walk through it.

Heavenly Father, thank you that You are always strong. I am so weak; give me the power to walk through the door you have opened for me. Help me to remain faithful to You and to never deny Your name.

Questions: How does admitting your weakness help you access God’s power? Why do we forget about God’s all-powerfulness?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Are you hurting? Try this Bible Study called “God Knows Our Needs”:

“Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed from that moment” (Matthew 9:22).

What a jolt of reality I had at a breast cancer support meeting tonight. First a lady with short hair walked in, followed by a bald lady, and then a lady with the tiniest bit of hair. One young woman had her first chemotherapy treatment that day and soon made an exit to vomit.

As the women talked and asked questions about the side effects of chemotherapy, such as sores in their mouths, and problems with digestions, diarrhea and constipation, I felt myself getting sick. My head throbbed, and my knees wobbled like Jell-O. Before long, I sobbed, and someone passed me a box of tissues.

I noticed a table with Valentine’s Day decorations and all kinds of refreshments in the hallway. How could anyone possibly eat Valentine’s Day cookies and have a soft drink during this type of meeting? Why did I eat dinner earlier? I felt sick to my stomach. Stop the merry-go-round. I want to get off.

I wish I weren’t going through this. I wish I could hide under a blanket, wake up, and have this behind me. I wish I were free of cancer or had healing power, but God alone has that power. His healing may be physical, or he may simply help me peacefully accept my circumstances. I’m convinced he knows which is better for me.

We all face similar struggles. We may think we’re hanging on with only a shred of faith. It helps to remember that Gideon, David, Samson, the prophets and many others were not born with an unshakable faith. Their faith grew day by day. Hebrews 11 says their weakness was turned to strength and they became powerful in battle. It’s okay to admit we are scared, sick, weak, or powerless. God will meet us where we are.

Father, please tell me, “Daughter, your faith has made you whole.” I also ask for emotional healing from the trauma of cancer. May I join the ranks of those who turned from weakness to strength through faith in You. Amen.

Reprinted from Yvonne Ortega’s book, Hope for the Journey Through Cancer.

Used by permission of Fleming H. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, copyright 2007. All rights to this material are reserved.  Materials are not to be distributed to other web locations for retrieval, published in other media, or mirrored at other sites without written permission from Baker Publishing Group.

Questions: What “cancer” are you struggling with today?  How can our weak faith be strengthened at a time when one is hurting so deeply?

About the author Yvonne Ortega

Tired of trying to live the Christian life in your own power?

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Questions: Are you feeling lonely today? Do you have a bruised heart?

About the Author: The Holy Bible

Are you hurting from the pain of having lost a loved one? We care and want to pray for you.

The name Jeremiah is Hebrew in origin. It means “the Lord exalts.” Jeremiah is the author of the book of Lamentations. To lament is to express sadness with weeping. It is to mourn. The opposite is to celebrate — yet that’s precisely what Jeremiah does!

In the middle of his sorrow, he finds hope and comfort in his God. Jeremiah said, “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV).

Babylon had plundered Jerusalem. Yet even as smoke was still rising from the ashes, Jeremiah understood these tremendous keys:

1. God’s compassion never fails.
2. His mercy is new every morning.
3. Great is God’s faithfulness.

How could anyone cry out, “Great is your faithfulness!” in the middle of loss? The answer is that Jeremiah knew God could turn tragedy into triumph. He had a revelation of God’s steadfast love. A love that is resolute despite surrounding circumstances.

Lamentations & You

How about you? Has there been a loss in your life? Have you seen disaster in your home or family? Have you experienced a heart break of any kind?   If so, be encouraged. As you lift your head like Jeremiah and look up, you will see the triumph of Christ on the horizon. God will take the damage you have suffered and turn it into gain. God is your portion. No matter what has occurred in your life, He is your eternal inheritance, lasting measure, and life share.

God is Your Standard for the Flood

Many hundreds of floods occur each year; some are greater in intensity than others. To prevent flood damage, men build defenses such as levees, dams, and reservoirs to deter rivers from bursting over their banks.

One of the greatest dams ever constructed is the Hoover Dam in Black Canyon on the Colorado River, about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It took 21,000 men, more than 5,000,000 barrels of cement, and 726 feet of height to erect the giant barrier and control the flow of water from Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam power plant generates hydroelectric power for use in Nevada, Arizona, and California. It produces more than 4 billion kilowatt-hours a year. That’s enough to serve 1.3 million people.

If a man made dam can do this—what can God Almighty do for you?

Isaiah declared, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (59:19, NKJV).

The Lord declares that He himself will stand as a supporting base against the thing that would seek to bring harm to you! Imagine the power of God in your life! Yes, disaster comes. It came to Jerusalem. It came to Jeremiah. It will come to you. But your lamentation during a disaster can turn to unexplainable joy as God’s dynamic power rushes over you.

God alone causes the clinching of man’s heart to cease:

* He did it for Joseph as Joseph knew God’s promotion and ruled in Egypt.
* He did it for Esther as Esther knew God’s providence and saw the deliverance of the Jews.
* He did it for Ruth as Ruth knew God’s redemption and became the great grandmother of David.
* He did it for David as David knew God’s loving-kindness and led the nation of Israel.
* He did it for the Lord Jesus as Jesus knew God’s sovereign will and died on the cross for your and my sins.

God was steadfast to all of them. And He’ll be steadfast in love to you.

The name Jeremiah means “the Lord exalts.” God will exalt you above your lamentation and sorrow today—just as He did for his prophet of old.

“All your waves and billows have gone over me, and floods of sorrow pour upon me like a thundering cataract. Yet day by day the Lord also pours out his steadfast love upon me” (Psalm 42:7-8, TLB).

Questions: How can your lamentation during a disaster can turn to unexplainable joy?

About the Author Jacqueline Overpeck

Are your days filled with loneliness? Do you dread getting up and facing another day?

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1, NIV).

In Psalm 136, David outlines in a sentence the different things God has done for both Israel and the world, followed by the words “His love endures forever”. The Psalm consists of 26 verses, each ending with the same four words. But how powerful those words are! God’s love didn’t vary with the changing circumstances Israel was in, or by what He decided the world needed.  It remained the same, immeasurable and mighty. And most importantly, it endures forever.

When we are faced with challenges, large or small, it’s important to remember that while our problems in the world may seem big, God’s love endures forever. Like the 26 sentences in the Psalm, each describing something different, our situations and environment change. Whether it is a new job, a new school, or something bigger like bad news from the doctor or a devastating discovery, our lives change and we’re taken in many different directions.

The only thing that won’t ever change is God’s love for you.

Whatever you may be dealing with, whether it’s something huge and frightening and you feel completely overwhelmed or something tiny and you just need rest, God loves you. He is there for you, always has been, and always will be. That truth will never change, even when the world seems to spin in the opposite direction. He will get you through your pain in a way that will help you grow in Him, mature in Him, and bring Him glory.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” What an amazing Father we have! He is so good that He is with us even in our trials, knowing our limits and providing a way out of our suffering.

Remember, even though the sentences in the psalm are all different, the end result is the same – God’s love endures forever, including His love for you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for holding us in times of trouble. You know our situations better than we do Lord, and we thank You for Your awesome might, glory, and power that overcomes all tribulation. You uphold us with Your righteous right hand. Help us to draw close to You, each and every day. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Questions: Why do life’s problems seem to make us forget God’s love and strength? What helps you to remember?

About the author Megan Demelo

Are you tired of living a defeated Christian life that seems to lack any power? Maybe there is more to this new life in Christ. Check out this video.

When hearing Goliath’s threats, David could have been terrified like the rest of the soldiers.

He could have excused himself by saying, “It’s not my problem. I’m not in the army. Anyway, the battle is the LORD’S,” and gone home.

Yes, God could have won the battle by Himself by sending an earthquake, a plague, any number of natural disasters. But God habitually chooses ordinary persons to accomplish his victory. It gives Him pleasure to work through the most unlikely persons like David, a shepherd boy.

But before God could use him, David had to put his faith into action.

How?

He faced the giant. Whereas others had said, “Goliath is so big we can’t defeat him.” David said, “Goliath is so big, I can’t miss him.”

He marched down into the valley to meet Goliath.

He audibly declared victory in the name of the LORD. (Vs 46, 47)

He whipped out his slingshot and aimed.

Then God gave the victory!

When feeling overwhelmed by a situation, what do you do? It’s comforting to know that “the battle is not ours, but the LORD’S.” But like David, what steps can you take towards victory?

God honors active faith.

Father, show me the steps to take towards victory and give me the strength to take them.

Questions: What do you do when feeling overwhelmed? How can God give you the victory even in dire situations?

About the Author Helen Lescheid

How hard is it for you to understand why it seems like your heartfelt, well-intentioned prayer has gone unanswered? We would like to talk with you about that.

As David was established as king over Israel, it was his heart’s desire to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem. He gathered together all of the leaders to discuss it with them, and then announced to all of Israel that “if it seemed good to them” they would go and bring back the ark. All the people agreed as it was “right in their eyes.” So they gathered together, placed the ark on a new cart, which was pulled by oxen and driven by Uzza and Ahio. They played music, and sang and praised with all their might. But as they came upon Chidon’s threshing floor, disaster hit! The oxen stumbled, Uzza put out his hand to steady the ark, which aroused the anger of the Lord, who then struck Uzza dead. David was afraid of God after that and wondered how he would be able to bring the ark back (1 Chronicles 13:1-12).

David started out with a good idea, likely it was even an idea that God had set in his heart, and he had the agreement of all the leaders and of all the people. However, he did not consult God on the “when, where, and how” to follow through with this plan, and Uzza ended up dead. Sometimes God sets something in our hearts and we all know it is the right thing to do, but we fail to wait on Him for the right time, and His specific instructions for the task. It can be so easy to see God’s intended end result, and then take it upon ourselves to figure out how we will accomplish it. Properly done, the Ark was to be borne on poles on the shoulders of the Levites, and their brethren (Levites) were to be the appointed singers and musicians (1 Chronicles 15:2, 12, 15, 16). The things of God are holy, and how we handle them can make a significant difference in the outcome. When we wait on Him and do it His way, we will have good success.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12 NJKV).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV).

Questions: Can you recall the last time you did not wait for the Lord’s timing? What was the result?

About the Author Emmie Stanley

What does your soul crave?

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud … for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NKJV).

Music is a powerful force that can impact us in very personal ways, as well as an ability to affect the atmosphere around us. It can actually be used as a tool to bring joy, sooth anxious hearts, and act as an agent for healing. When we sing songs of praise, we prepare our own hearts and ears to hear from God, we experience an uplifting and infilling of joy, and we push back the dark forces that attempt to come against us.

Music and song are in fact spiritual tools and weapons. Israel won the battle against Moab and Ammon when they followed the Lord’s directive to put the worshipers and musicians in front of the army as they went to battle (2 Chronicles 20:22). When Saul was bothered by a harassing spirit, David would play the harp for him and Saul would be refreshed and made well, and the unwelcome spirit would have to leave (1 Samuel 16:23). Songs of praise and worship will actually usher the presence and glory of God into our personal circumstances, and even have the power to change the spiritual atmosphere in whole cities. God Himself rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). So just sing…. you will feel better, you will walk in greater light and victory, and you can even affect the spiritual atmosphere of your city.

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. … We will sing and praise your power. … Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. … So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.” (Psalms 7:17, 21:13b, 30:4, 61:8 (NKJV)

Questions: Take some time today just praising the Lord.

About the Author Emmie Stanley