"There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, 'You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.'
Four more giants that David and his men had to face besides the one we are all so familiar with—Goliath. And, YES, there is even ANOTHER giant named Goliath!
What I want most for us to recognize here today are these two things:
"And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam." 2 Samuel 21:19
We are not meant to face the giants in our life, alone! We grow weary. We need help! We need help from God and from those around us. That’s one reason it is so important to surround yourself with good, godly friends and counsel.
Other times, we are the ones who need to step up and help a friend who is weary of facing giants. It's at those times that we need to be that good, godly friend and counsel. Sometimes, we need help! And other times, we need to be the help.
If you find yourself in a place of needing help, remember that God promises to be your Comforter.
In 2 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Corinth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of ALL comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction,
Why?
so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Paul tells us that God is a God of comfort. He's a God Who comforts us in ALL our affliction. Paul also tell us there is a purpose to our affliction, and that purpose may just be so we can comfort others.
My grief journey had a purpose. In my "affliction," I have been able to comfort others. If you are on a grief journey today, friend, never forget—it has a purpose.
More than likely, we will all find ourselves somewhere on the timeline of a grief journey at some point in our life. On that timeline, as in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we first find ourselves needing a comforter—the Comforter. Then, we find ourselves transitioning into the role of comforting others. That's where we see the purpose and fulfill our role in that purpose. If you're on a grief journey today, friend, where are you on that timeline?
I feel at home in Psalm 34, where David says:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
If you feel at home in Psalm 34:18 too, if you're growing weary of facing giants again and again, if you find yourself somewhere on the timeline of a grief journey, I've got a book for you!
About The Heart That Heals"Our choices have consequences. The pathway we walk has a destination. I want you to make good choices so that the consequences will be good. I want your destination to be one that glorifies God. If you’re in a broken place, it may be difficult to make good choices. Is your pathway littered with the debris of brokenness? I want to help you get past all that and learn to be still, and know that He is God." —from the Prologue
The Heart That Heals is centered around Psalm 46:10a, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s a book about healing our brokenness. It's about doing the next thing; sometimes, the next thing is to be still and know He is God.
The book is full of Scripture and practical application. Each chapter challenges you to reflect, apply, pray, meditate on, and memorize Scripture. It’s kind of your homework but in a good way. Please don’t think you’re alone. You are not! People, just like us, have used the biblical principles laid out in God’s Word to heal their brokenness. You have not come here today by accident. You have found this place and are here today for a reason! This book is written conversational style with people like you in mind. The book is straightforward. It's easy to understand the simple, yet powerful, biblical principles. A Few of My Favorites Quotes From The Heart That Heals“Nothing slips by God. Nothing catches Him off guard or takes Him by surprise, as it does us. He is always in control, always prepared and always waiting and able to meet your particular need, whatever that may be.” "God never asks us to do anything or go through anything that He will not empower us to do or give us the grace to endure." “God uses people who cannot do it alone. He uses the weak, the broken, the people in need like you and me.” “Don’t let anyone ever tell you He [God] won’t give you more than you can handle. He will! This is how and when we develop our dependence on Him.” “If we were never led up steep treacherous hills, through deep waters and barren deserts, how would we ever learn to depend on His [God’s] all-sufficient grace?” What People Are Saying About The Heart That Heals"The Heart That Heals is like a friend who comes alongside you to walk a long journey. There are moments on the path when your friend lets you cry, or even cries along with you because the terrain is tough. There are times when your friend grabs your hand and lifts you up because you’ve tripped over a tree root you didn’t see. Then there are glimpses of remembered joy when your friend says something funny-and you laugh-and the path seems brighter. And, somewhere along the way, you realize she gets it. She understands. She knows because she’s walked this path before. Thank you for providing a resource that not only offers healing hope, but also a sense of friendship for the journey." — Stephanie A Prayer For the Brokenhearted"Father in Heaven, Help us to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10).
How have you been comforted by the great Comforter? And how have you been able to comfort others with the comfort you've been comforted with?
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter
2 Comments
2/7/2023 09:26:22 am
Patsy, I really needed this reminder. There is definitely a giant in my life that I feel like I have faced over and over again. And sometimes I do feel weary. I'm going to meditate on these verses and your godly counsel.
Reply
2/8/2023 06:47:41 am
I needed these reminders this week too, Donna!!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here.
How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you! Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either. After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy Top PostsFeaturedCategories
All
Archives
February 2025
|