Encourage Me With Substance

It was that kind of morning.

The un-showered, pajama-clad, late-to-everything-in-life kind of start. The fuzzy, gradual realization that absolutely no coffee in the world was going to stop my downward spiral into hyperventilating, crazy-lady-land.

I might’ve even growled through my teeth a bit.

Frazzled, impatient, and exhausted from the past couple of weeks, I was way past edgy. We’re navigating back-to-school challenges, financial goals, workloads, volunteer projects, prayer requests, and home improvements — and that’s just the personal stuff. Let’s not even start on politics and all the world issues.

I realized I was hanging on by a thread. A very fine sliver of a thread — emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Every once in a while, I get overwhelmed and discouraged. Life sneaks up and suddenly shoots out kamikaze bombshells. When I finally work up the courage to peek out over the bunker and assess the damage, I find the horizon heavy-laden with stress, busyness, and worry.

And when you’re on the edge (with minimal amounts of sleep and copious amounts of caffeine), questions arise:

• What in the world just happened?
• God, are You seeing this?
• Did I do something wrong here?
• Or was it something I didn’t do?

And please, before you respond — I really need you to understand something: I know this season won’t last forever, OK?

I don’t need to hear the same old adages: “This too shall pass.” “God will never give you more than you can handle.” “This must all be part of God’s plan.”

Because honestly, I despise those words.

I need more than filler words.

It’s OK to tell me that life is hard sometimes, because it certainly is. But don’t sweep my pain under the rug. Instead, sit with me and read me the story of old. Remind me that hope often comes in the darkest hour. Call out God’s goodness and whisper the truth that I am held in the palm of His everlasting hands. Speak life-filled words of affirmation that bring me back to the reality of who I am in Christ — that I am loved beyond comprehension, and He is here with me.

Remind me of the pain, rejection, and condemnation Jesus experienced on the cross, and never let me forget that death and evil do not win. Revive my spirit with your presence so that I can walk in truth and love — even on the days I don’t feel like it. Especially when my spirit is downcast and troubled with sorrow.

Encourage me with substance.

Be a channel for the Holy Spirit to minister to me, comfort me, and hold me up.

Tell me that yes, the Bible says tribulation produces perseverance — but even if I can’t believe it for myself right now, tell me you’ll believe it for me.

Weep with me (Romans 12:15). Tell me that although I might be afflicted, I am not crushed — and even though I feel struck down, I am not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).

Read me the verses John wrote down for us:

Because when you remind me of God’s Word, my soul is revived, and I can be brave again.

Because when you encourage me with substance, I remember.

I remember the grace sprinkled throughout history and time, and it lifts my face to see past the here and now. My current circumstances are placed back into the context of eternity. I can drink my coffee and let Scripture change my countenance. I realize I can trust Jesus when things seem impossible.

I remember who God is in relation to my problems. I’m reminded that everything will be made new. I hold on to the truth that this life is my temporary home. I recall the things I so easily forget in the crazy-land of sickness, kids, bills, setbacks, hurts, and aggravations.

And most importantly of all, I get down on my weak and wobbly knees and ask forgiveness for my Real-Housewives-of-Jennifer-Land attitude. And like the disciples, I ask, “Lord, increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5).

Here’s the truth: when life is difficult, the pendulum of my countenance swings left and right faster than a flash flood in the desert. My emotions waver dangerously in the raging waters.

But when you encourage me with substance…
When you point me to Jesus…
When you speak the truth in love into my context — everything changes.

Next to God, the storm becomes bearable. I can lift my weary face and cling to the everlasting Truth that God is with me — present in this very moment with love, light, and the hope that a future of His glory is near.

— Jen