Hope in the Midst of Oppression
As we navigate the challenges of life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. The enemy’s strategy is to wear us down, to oppress us with fear and doubt (Dan. 7:25). But God’s Word reminds us that we don’t have to succumb to these feelings. In Romans 15:4, we’re encouraged to find hope in the Scriptures, which were written to teach us and give us endurance.
Resisting Oppression
When we feel assaulted from every side, it’s natural to feel afraid and discouraged. But God’s words in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 remind us that the battle is not ours, but God’s. We don’t have to fight alone. Instead, we can take up our positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will give us. We can choose to be confident and encouraged because God is with us, our hope and victory in every battle.
Anointed with Grace
In His great heart, God has a plan for our welfare, to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). We are anointed with grace to stand with hope, encouragement, and positive assurance of seeing His goodness at work in our lives. When we run to the joy of the Lord, we find strength and endurance. We can trust that God will fight our battles for us, and His presence will never leave nor forsake us (Deut. 31:8).
Finding Refuge
The name of the Lord is a strong tower where we can run and find safety (Pro. 18:10). We can hide in Him from the devourer and the accuser, from heaviness and discouragement. He wants to cover our weariness with His blanket of strength. When we remember how He has shown Himself strong to us in the past, we’re blessed with endurance and encouragement. He will continue to reveal Himself to us, giving us peace and stilling the storms in our lives (Mark 4:39).
Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
Like Peter, we may feel like we’re walking on wind-driven waters, but when we take our eyes off Jesus and look at the waves, we sink. Instead, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who will come alongside, lift us up, strengthen, and refine us to bring about His sure purposes. We can stand in the rule and dominion of the Prince of peace, blessed by His great faithfulness to us, which is new every morning (Lam. 3:23).
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