By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Background: A reader recently wrote to me in an e-mail: "Benescke, my life is falling apart. The man I love was unfaithful to me. I'm broken and cry myself to sleep. Will I have to grow old alone? At this stage, I am struggling to pray and read the Bible. Please pray for me to get rid of the enemy that pushes me to the ground so I can continue with my life.”

Have you ever felt like this reader? As believers, we are not exempted from bad things happening in our lives. We live in a broken world. At times, challenges and disappointments can make us feel as if we are knee-deep in the mud, with no hope of ever overcoming the situation. The more we kick and fight, the deeper we drop into the dark mud pool.

The Psalmist understood it. In Psalm 40: 1-3 we read: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

During challenging times, we as believers can put our hope in God. He pick us up and comforts us. In Psalm 34:19 we read: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” In Psalm 46: 1, it is written, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” And in Psalm 145:18 we read: “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”

If you recently experienced a disappointment or, like this reader, find yourself in a situation with a broken heart, remember that Jesus Christ gave us a gift with His Ascension, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Guide and He steadies us when we feel weak, powerlessly lying on the ground with no hope of a better future.

Let’s therefore call out to God amidst our hurt and despondency, knowing that He hears our prayers - even those we pray with a whispering voice. When we are weak, He is strong. Let us also remind ourselves that when we call, He is there to help. God bless.

Father God, thank you for knowing everything in my life - the good and the bad. Please help me to keep my eyes on You in every season of my life, knowing that you can carry me through. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Assignment for the day: Is there anything in your life bothering you? Take every crisis and disappointment to God and talk to Him about it. Also ask Him to fill us anew with His Holy Spirit. He wants to calm our hearts because He loves us.

• Feedback: What are you afraid of? And what subject would you like me to cover this month? Let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I would like to hear from you. Benescke