Anxiety and depression are rampant in society today, especially since the world is in such chaos. Thankfully God’s Word shows you that you can remain calm and content even though it seems like there’s trouble on every corner. In Psalm 46:1, David reminds you that you have refuge, strength and help in the time of trouble.
So many people try to find a way to self-medicate away their sorrows, but turning to God’s Word can provide you with everything you need. Hebrews 4:16 tells you that you can come boldly to the throne of God and ask for help. During this season, you need hope and to release your fears. The opposite of hope is despair, and God doesn’t want you to be in misery.
When you lose your vision and hope for the future, you will perish, according to Proverbs 29:18. However, take courage and strength in knowing that God has ordained every step of your life. According to Jeremiah 29:11, God knows His plans for you, and He wants to give you a future and a hope.
Standing in the Face of Adversity
If you love the old hymns, you’ve probably heard “It’s Well with My Soul.” Horatio Spafford wrote this song during one of the darkest seasons of his life. Some even compared this man to Job in the Bible.
Spafford was at the pinnacle of his career as an attorney in Chicago, and he had a wife and five beautiful children he adored. He delved into real estate, buying many properties along Lake Michigan as a prosperous man. His luck changed in 1870 when he lost his first child to scarlet fever, who was only four years of age. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire took out all of his investments, leaving him in a horrible financial position.
The Spafford’s were devout Christians, and this could have been enough to ruin them, but it didn’t. They are proof that the things that come against you to destroy you can make you stronger.
The Fateful Boat Ride
D. L. Moody was a famous evangelist and friend, and he invited the family to come along to a crusade in England in 1873. So, Spafford decided a vacation would be healing. His wife and children went ahead on the boat while he stayed to finish some business.
On November 5, 1873, they boarded the Ville du Havre and set sail bound from New York to England. It wasn’t long into their journey that the ship collided with the British vessel the Lock Earn. The ship didn’t stand a chance against the strong iron vessel. Captain Marino Surmonte did all he could to save passengers and crew, but of the 313 people on board, over 220 perished.
Before the Titanic, this was considered the worst boat disaster in history. Once his wife made it to Wales, she sent a telegram to her husband telling him that all of his children had perished, and she was the only one left.
Devastated, he rushed to be at his wife’s side. How can a couple survive the loss of not one but five children in such a short time? However, God was with this couple in the midst of their struggles and sustained them during their uncertainly for their future.
A Song is Born
When Spafford was on the ship trying to reach his wife, the captain pointed out the location to him where the boat had gone down. He knew that his four children had lost their lives in this location. He could have sobbed, fallen to the ground, and lost his mind. However, a song was born during the depths of his greatest struggles.
It was at this moment when he passed over the graves of his children that God gave him a song. Not only would this song change his life, but it would have an impact on millions of people for years to come. You can’t help but feel his pain in the words “When sorrow like sea billows rolls,” as his life was filled with unbelievable grief.
Joy Comes in the Morning
David reminds you in Psalm 30:5 that weeping may happen in the night season, but joy always comes in the morning. Even in the depths of despair, this couple never let their faith in God waiver. It wasn’t long after this tragic accident that his wife found out she was with child.
Like Job, God restored all the things they lost, and He gave him a song of victory in his night season. However, the situation could have been quite different if they didn’t have much faith and hope in their Creator.
Scriptures of Hope
What storm are you going through in life? Do the odds seem stacked against you? Do you feel like all hope is lost? Remember the story of Spafford and how he lost nearly everything but his life, but God had a master plan.
If you’re worried about the future, take comfort in knowing the one who holds tomorrow also holds your hand. Here are five powerful scriptural references that can give you peace and sustain you when the winds of life seem to be uncertain.
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
How often do you try to figure things out and take control of your life without asking for God’s help? In Proverbs 3:5-6, King Solomon reminds you that you must trust the Lord with everything in you. Don’t lean into your own understanding, as it will only cause significant issues. Put your faith in the one who created the entire earth and has You in His master plan.
2. Psalm 32:8
The Lord is waiting to give you instruction if you only ask. If you’re worried about tomorrow, you need to turn it over to Him. David wrote the book of Psalms to sing praises to God, but it also provides excellent instruction for your life. God just wants you to talk to him, and Psalm 32:8 instructs you to pour out your heart to Him.
3. Psalm 55:22
You know the Lord cares for you, and in Psalm 55:22, David instructs you to cast all your cares on Him. The God of all creation will sustain you in your time of trouble, and He will secure your future. You only need to trust in Him. What burdens are you carrying that you can turn over to the one who knows your heart’s very thought and intent?
4. Philippians 4:13
It’s easy to become beaten down with life. You’ve got a job, family, immense responsibilities, and you feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’re worried about your kids, your job status, or how you will make it through this troubled world. In Philippians 4:13, you’re reminded that you can do all things because God will give you strength. When you don’t feel like you can go another mile, He will be the force behind you powering you on.
5. John 14:27
This passage of scripture occurred when Jesus was facing His death. His disciples were fretting about what was going to happen. In John 14:27, Jesus simply reminds them that He leaves them with peace of mind and heart. He also tells them that the peace he gives is nothing you can find in the world. So, know that perfect peace can come from above when your heart is troubled, and your mind is worried.
Prayer When You’re Worried About the Future
Lord, I am worried about my future. I worry about my children, spouse, job, and health. There are many times that I cannot sleep because I am so anxious and fearful. However, I am taking you at Your word. There are so many things about tomorrow that I don’t understand, but I want You to hold my hand as I face each day.
I can’t keep feeling this anxiety and becoming depressed when I do all I can. You promise me a sound mind in Timothy 1:7, and Lord, I need you to sustain me more than anything. My mind is tired, and I struggle daily, but I know that I can do all things because You will give me strength. Amen