Is it you?
Are you the friend who has been so heavy on my mind lately?
As I fall asleep at night, as soon as I wake up in the morning, and countless times throughout the day, you and your current struggle have been on my mind.
You and so many of my friends.
You and your prodigal child.
You and your failed marriage that you so desperately long to be reconciled.
You and your financial crisis.
You and your barren womb.
You and your grieving widow heart.
You in your health crisis with a lack of answers.
And personally, in my own current life trials, I can relate on so many levels, with so many areas of uncertainty. Questions without answers. Pain without anesthetic. Darkness waiting for the dawn.
My heart wants to take your pain and fix this situation for you. I want to sit down next to you, take your hand in mine, look into your eyes, and tell you it’s going to be all right.
There is an answer when life gets tough
I’ve always thought of mountains as bad things…difficult life encounters that blocked my progress, got in my way, or shadowed my perspective. Recently, however, as I’ve walked through the valley of adversity, I’ve come to appreciate the mountains from a different perspective. It’s from the mountains that our hope comes from.
“I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from God, maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1)
The One who knows the answers
Friend, I don’t know the answers to your why or mine, but I know the One who does.
I don’t know how to help, but I know the One who does.
I haven’t walked in your shoes so I can’t fully appreciate how you feel, but I know the One who does.
I don’t know how long this trial of yours will last, but I know the One who does.
I pray for you, but I don’t know what else to do, but I know the One who does.
It seems that the answer is always the same, and it’s always the best answer: When we get to the end of ourselves, He is the One we have to rely on.
Keep looking up.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
Hope Prevails Book and Hope Prevails Bible Study {hope for overcoming depression}
Available now through book retailers!
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the new companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand: how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
“If you or a loved one are walking through the valley of depression, be encouraged that you are not alone. Dr. Michelle Bengtson has provided a powerful resource to help you on your journey toward hope. It is a personal and positive book, as you learn from Dr. Bengtson’s own story as well as her practical knowledge in the field. I love how she shares a prescription, a prayer and a playlist at the end of each chapter to give you an extra boost of strength. Hope Prevails is a must read for every person who struggles with depression.”
Karol Ladd
Author of Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive
Your posts always comfort me. Thank you so much. 🙂 Hugs.
Melissa, your sweet encouraging words always bless me! Thank YOU!! #HopePrevails!
Great word once again, Michelle! Thanks for being a continual voice of encouragement and hope!
I shared your post here: https://www.pinterest.com/melredd/blog-link-parties-and-blog-link-ups/
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Always a delight to see you here Melanie! Sending love and blessings back your way! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
The depth of your understanding of the trials of others has been increased greatly through recent personal trials…love it how God PROMISES to bring something beautiful, something good, out of our pain and suffering. Your patients will benefit from all you have learned…..although it has been extremely difficult to cope with all that has happened !! May God bless you as you continually reach out to others with love and understanding. xxx
When we can comfort others out of the comfort God has given us, it is truly God bringing beauty out of our ashes. That brings great JOY. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Thank you for such encouragement! I have found such hope when someone could be brave to be the friend God calls us to be! Because god was that friend for me, now I can be that friend for others!
I needed this encouragement today. I’ve been feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. Time to dig into God’s word a bit more and take what you’ve shared here a little bit further.
You’re such a blessing.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
You have the gift of inspiration! What a lovely, hopeful message that I so needed to hear today as I’ve felt discouraged today! So I landed in the right spot, to be reminded of the support and love all around and God’s promises. Thank you! Visiting from #playdates with God link up!
Amen. My hope comes from God (and looking at the mountains always inspires me with his permanence, power and might).
Anita, no better place for us to find our hope than from Him! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
God is faithful to bring us through to the other side. Thank you for sharing this encouraging post at Weekend Whispers.
I LOVE this message: I KNOW the ONE who does know the answers. Here is 2020 our lives have literally been turned upside down through so many daily trials and pain. We have experienced hurricanes, fires., violence, a pandemic of world proportions and daily financial and relationship issues and we pray knowing only that we must trust God for each moment of our life. Never has there been such a year in my lifetime of 73 years. BUT I KNOW the ONE who KNOWS the answers to life’s trials!! Oh I am so thankful! This message touched my heart so deeply. I needed it and I wanted it to set my eyes on Jesus again as the author and finisher of my faith. I WILL trust Him. Thank you, Michelle!! I love and pray for you!
My hope comes from the Lord! Amen. Thank you, Michelle.
Thank you for the encouragement and the simple reminder to stay hopeful and faithful. I sure appreciate the encouragement!
So thankful that we have access to the One! He makes all the difference. Thanks, Michelle!