One of the most difficult seasons in my life was watching my elderly mom decline in the nursing home and wondering why God didn’t release her from her earthly body sooner.

I cried; I questioned God’s love for mom (and me); I had many honest conversations with God. But I look back at that season now and realize how God’s timing was perfect in my mom’s Home going, and how He used that time to deepen my relationship with Him. Now that I’m on the other side, I wouldn’t change anything about that season of life.

A few years ago, I came home in the middle of the night from the emergency room after mom had fallen. Discouraged and weary, I sat down with God’s Word. David’s words from Psalm 59 strengthened me when I needed it most:

“But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.” Psalm 59:16-17

Those words, focusing on God’s character, carried me through many a difficult day and continue to do so. God knows what we’re going through, and He is by our side the entire way. He is our strength, our stronghold, our refuge. He loves us, even when we question His love.

Maybe you need some encouragement today. His Word is full of encouraging truths that will carry us through those difficult seasons. Keep an encouragement journal, writing down those verses that God uses to encourage you when times are tough.

I’d love to hear from you – what are some verses that have encouraged you when you were walking through a difficult time?