When Life Is Hard 艰难时刻
Dexu Xia
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2
Physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I curled up in my recliner. Our family had followed God’s leading and had moved from California to Wisconsin. After we arrived, our car broke down and left us without a vehicle for two months. Meanwhile, my husband’s limited mobility after an unexpected back surgery and my chronic pain complicated our unpacking. We uncovered costly problems with our new-to-us, old home. Our senior dog suffered with health issues. And though our new pup brought great joy, raising a furry ball of energy was far more work than anticipated. My attitude soured. How was I supposed to have unshakable faith while traveling on a bumpy road of hardships?
As I prayed, God reminded me of the psalmist whose praise didn’t depend on circumstances. David poured out his emotions, often with great vulnerability, and sought refuge in the presence of God (Psalm 16:1). Acknowledging God as provider and protector (vv. 5–6), he praised Him and followed His counsel (v. 7). David affirmed that he would “not be shaken” because he kept his eyes “always on the Lord” (v. 8). So, he rejoiced and rested secure in the joy of God’s presence (vv. 9–11).
We too can delight in knowing our peace doesn’t depend on our present situation. As we thank our unchanging God for who He is and always will be, His presence will fuel our steadfast faith.
How can offering God praise for His unchanging character and wondrous works increase your faith during challenging circumstances? What situations do you need to place in God’s trustworthy hands?
Thanks for being You, Father!
艰难时期
我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：“祢是我的主，我的好处不在祢以外。”-诗篇16篇2节
我蜷缩在躺椅上，身心灵都疲惫不堪。我们一家人跟随上帝的带领，长途跋涉从西部的加州搬到中部的威斯康辛州。抵达之后，我们的车就故障了，以致两个月无车可用。我丈夫不得已而做了背部手术，无法行动自如，而我又有慢性疼痛，致使我们无法尽速安顿下来。虽是搬新家，但房子过于老旧，需花一大笔经费整修。家中的老狗健康情况不佳，而初来乍到的幼犬，虽带给我们很多欢乐，但养一只充满活力的小毛球，所需的精力实在超过预期。这些情况使我意志消沉，不禁思想，走在崎岖难行的道路上，如何能有坚定的信心呢？
在祷告中，上帝让我想起，大卫对上帝的赞美并不取决于环境。他在上帝面前坦诚地倾诉自己的感受，寻求庇护（诗篇16篇1节）；他承认上帝是供应者和保护者（5-6节）；他赞美并听从上帝的教导（7节）；他定睛仰望上帝，使自己不至摇动（8节）。因此大卫能欢喜快乐，安然享受上帝的同在（9-11节）。
我们也可以欢喜快乐，因我们的平安并不取决于当下的景况。这位永不改变的上帝有一切美好的特质，只要我们向祂献上感谢，祂的同在就能使我们的信心更加坚定。
在困境中，赞美上帝不变的特质和奇妙的工作，
如何使你更有信心？你要将什么难处交给上帝呢？