{"id":96,"date":"2024-01-16T00:51:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T00:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karenbsantos.com\/wp\/?p=96"},"modified":"2024-01-16T00:51:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T00:51:43","slug":"a-bible-passage-a-day-psalms-3418","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karenbsantos.com\/wp\/a-bible-passage-a-day-psalms-3418\/","title":{"rendered":"A Bible Passage A Day: Psalms 34:18"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

People say that everything happens for a reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They even say that there is a purpose for every difficult situation that we encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But have you ever experienced a hardship in life that makes no sense for you at all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever questioned the Lord, \u201cWhy is this happening to me?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At some point in our lives, we have experienced some fierce lows that may have crushed our spirits and have broken our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These instances may have made us question the presence of God in our lives. \u201cLord, where were you when I needed you the most?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But believe it or not, God is always with us, most especially in our most difficult times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God stays close to us most especially when our hearts are broken and our spirits are crushed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God loves us, but it doesn’t mean that we will never experience any hardship at all. The truth is, God gives us challenges every day to build our character, to strengthen our spirit, and to make our hearts closer to Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When David wrote the passage Psalms 34:18, it is clear that David knew that God was present in the difficulties that he was experiencing. He is aware that God is so powerful that He has the ability to turn any bad situation to a good one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardships are blessings in disguise<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever experienced coming out of a difficult situation with a stronger character and a better attitude towards life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If yes, then you are one of the many who believe that hardships are blessings in disguise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, God gives us challenges in life to test our values, to strengthen our beliefs, and to improve our character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine that you are an egg who is subjected to a harsh environment even before hatching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two things can happen to this egg:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The egg can break from the outside and crack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The egg can withstand the harsh environment and wait for hatching time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"\/<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    When difficulties arise in life, do you break from the outside and succumb to fearfulness, self-pity, and depression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Or do you strengthen your resolve and pray for courage until you can successfully win your battle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With the grace of the Lord and the help of the spirit, we can be the egg that can be strengthened by life\u2019s trials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When this happens, we can say that \u201cwhew, that hardship is indeed a blessing in disguise!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Call to Action<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Are you going through a difficult time right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember that God can see you. He has not forgotten you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He is ready to embrace you. He sees you suffering and can hear your prayers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do not break down because of hardships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instead, surrender your problems to the Lord. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hardships are blessings in disguise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God will never abandon you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will be blessed by your brokenness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pray to Jesus and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God bless you! <\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The passage asserts God’s presence particularly in hardship, suggesting challenges are meant to strengthen character and faith. David’s Psalms reflect this belief, as the text encourages embracing trials as blessings in disguise. It calls for steadfastness and prayer during tough times, reiterating God’s closeness to and love for the brokenhearted.<\/p>\n

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