Comments on: When Comforts Are Taken Away

By: emily

emily — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:03:54 +0000

honestly, God has me in a season where I’ve just been overwhelmed with His kindness, blessing and answers to prayers that i’ve been praying for many years. and my faith has grown in a new and exciting way. I can look back on the past few years which consisted almost primarily of struggles and trials and I can see God’s faithfulness then, and yet see His hand of faithfulness leading me now too.

I hated those trials, I hated the struggle, but I wouldn’t change it for the world… I learned so much about God through those times that I know if He takes me into another season like that, He will be faithful. But man, its so nice to not be there today… Every day I seem to be overflowing with joy and with the truth that God has redeemed sinful me and desires to bless me!! thanks for the reminder, yet again!

By: Caroline

Caroline — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:08:43 +0000

For me right now i have been experiencing God's faithfulness and goodness in many areas… His protection and provision, even in the small things has helped me change my attitude towards things…

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:36:39 +0000

Thanks for this link Ben. This is an awesome message. I need to listen to it again.

By: Bob M

Bob M — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:17:49 +0000

Depends which Psalm, but God always uses something in there to redirect my downcast attitude, or self-pity, or fear/anxiety back toward him being my refuge, and hoping in him, praising him… It usually turns my self-focused prayers into God-focused prayers, which, in effect cures my wrong attitude.

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:37:56 +0000

Bob, praying through a Psalm is a great idea. How does it help your downcast soul?

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:37:05 +0000

You're right. It seems like so often our growth gets accelerated through challenges. Great point!

By: Bob M

Bob M — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:23:23 +0000

Where does God have you right now?
A little of both… Lately, if God seems distant during my devotional times, and when I don’t have those “spiritual feelings” you spoke of, praying through a Psalm has been a comforting means of drawing near to God and bringing correction to my downcast soul.

By: Kevin Walker

Kevin Walker — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:47:35 +0000

It does seem that more spiritual growth occurs during the difficult seasons of life than during the "mountaintop" experiences. You may not see it at the time, but as the seasons change, you realize the invaluable things that those difficult times have taught you, and the character they've built in you.

By: Ben

Ben — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:53:06 +0000

I found C.J. Mahaneys message "The Troubled Soul: God's Word and our Feelings" to be something that God used to absolutely transform my life. The concept of following the Psalmist and "telling ourselves truth" is mind blowing. I have been pointing everyone I can to this message. If you are struggling with this sort of problem right now, this practice of obedience is mind-blowing and transforming. It's a *tough* battle for sure…

You can find the message (in mp3 format) here:

http://www.thisisnext.org/resources/

It's in the 2008 section.