What a sad week for America to learn that 13 service members had died, and then see the government decide to leave Americans behind in Afghanistan. Patriotism has been a cornerstone of our country.
We are not promised a carefree life without problems, but God does promise to care for all who are suffering. When things in life are out of my control, the two things that help me most are prayer and reading my Bible in order to find support from God's Word.
If you are anxious, sad, disappointed or even angry, the Bible provides comfort and peace. God never promised a world without trouble, but he cares for those in need of help. There are so many scriptures that can encourage us in any challenging time, or event. Today, I am sharing some of my favorites with you. God hears our cries and prayers. The families of the soldiers who died this week need to be lifted up during this devastating time as well as those who did not get out of Afghanistan. As Americans, we can lift them up with our prayers. I find Psalms to be comforting so I decided to share some of my favorites verses with you in hopes that you will be comforted also.
Psalms
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. - Psalm 9:9
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.- Psalm 116:15
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever. Psalm 73:26
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your Word. Psalm:119:114
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, and my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
My Challenge to You: For the month of September let us pray for the families of these service men and women and the safe release of families and children still in Afghanistan.
Here are their names:
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City;
Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.;
Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, Calif.;
Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.;
Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha;
Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.;
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas;
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Mo.;
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo.; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.;
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.;
Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio;
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.
Blessings from Tina