Inspiration From the Bible to Get You Through Tough Times

There is no doubt that we've been living through some tough times recently, especially from an economic standpoint. Thus, it is easy for many of us to have bouts of anxiety and depression when the future is so murky and unclear. With that in mind, I just wanted to sent a short message out that GOD has not forgotten us, using stories and passages from the bible for inspiration.

For those who may not remember their bible or Sunday School lessons, Joseph and his brothers were the sons of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel). Their father loved Joseph more than his other children, and gave him a coat of many colours.

Joseph's brothers were jealous and hated him because he was their father's favorite. So one day, they stripped him of his coat and sold him into slavery. Then they took his many-coloured coat, tore it and dipped it in blood. They presented the ruined cloak to their father, leading him to believe that Joesph had been killed by some beast.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and resold. As the years passed and despite much adversity, he eventually became not only free, but one of the most powerful men in the land - second only to Pharoah himself. Without going into detail, his position in Egypt allowed him to save his family (yes, even the brothers who sold him into slavery) when a 7-year famine struck the land. Although they didn't reconize him when they saw him in Egypt, Joseph held no animosity towards his brothers, because he knew that GOD had allowed events to unfold in a way that would benefit the children of Israel.

When there is adversity in my life, I tend to look to the story of Joseph and his brothers. He had no idea when his brothers sold him into slavery and told his father he was dead that GOD allowed those things to happen so that he could become a great man, and the saviour of his people. But that's exctly what occurred. Likewise, in our own lives, we have to see adversity as GOD putting us in a position that will ultimately benefit us.

(Poster of Joseph's Brother's paying Homage to Him available at AllPosters.com.)

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

To me, this has always been a very powerful passage, as it is highlights one of the defining characteristics of the Heavenly Father: GOD is all-knowing. HE is omniscient, knowing and understanding our needs and requirements far better than we do ourselves.

That being the case, we have to have faith. We have to trust in HIS love, knowledge, wisdom and understanding - all of which infinitely exceed out own - and know that all will work out to our benefit.

"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

When I read this passage, I always interpret "man" as not just another individual, but any obstacle in life: money problems, poor health, what have you. Regardless, I feel that GOD has made a promise to me that no barrier or obstruction will ever keep me from achieving success.

Focusing on that promise will hopefully keep your spirits up and keep you inspired, because HE is always on your side and will not let you down.

(Poster of the Walls of Jericho Falling available at AllPosters.com.)

"Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish."

This is the bible passage I turn to when someone has personally set themselves against me in some way, manner or form. And let's face it: it happens. Someone will - often for no apparent reason - decide to make it their personal mission in life to punish you for some slight (or maybe because they just don't like the way you look). What's worse is when they are in a position to make your life miserable, like they're your teacher or your boss.

In those times, you have to have faith that you will rise above their petty actions and contemptible mindset. Your star will rise despite everything they do to stop it, and they'll be left - ashamed and confounded - wondering how you happen to be so blessed. (On the other hand, in your mind, they will cease to exist. It will be as if they perished,like the passage says.

In short, GOD is always with you. HE will never forsake you, or turn you away. Moreover, despite our perception of good and bad, the things that HE allows to occur in our lives are all ultimately for our benefit. We just have to trust in HIM.

"Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away."

Isaiah 41:9

(Poster available at AllPosters.com.)