Look at this beautiful picture captured by Ray White. While it appears these trees are about the same age judging by their size, it is also clear that each has endured its own storms of life. Each appears to be at different stages of “healthiness”. At any given season of my life, I could identify with one of the trees. Sometimes I may feel as healthy as the tree on the left or as battered as the tree on the right. I may even feel all those stages in one day! How about you?

Difficult times are part of the seasons of life. As a Christian, how do we handle the hard seasons? We must transform our perspective by looking through the lens of scripture. The following scriptures are just a few examples of strength and hope for hard times.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Start your day by listening to this song and allow God to transform your thoughts by giving you strength and courage for difficult times. May we each feel God’s presence as we step out the door this morning and move through our day. Transformation, change, different; all are hard, but sometimes necessary. Know that whatever we face today, God is with us and will guide our thoughts and steps if we allow.

It Is Well by Kristene DeMarco