How we choose to see God in the middle of the trauma and troubles of life will determine how we live. Apart from making that choice, despair and depression will rule the day. The word of God offers adjustments to our thinking when dark and dismal outcomes are ruling our thoughts.

The Lord said to Israel when they felt abandoned by God for their sins, “For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:9-10).

The Lord continued His encouragement when they felt outnumbered and outgunned as they faced their enemies, “I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (vs. 12).

When Israel felt emotionally alone, the Lord said, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you” (vs 13).

When an insurmountable need was present in Israel, and could not be met by human ability, the provision of the Lord appeared to meet their needs. In that moment, the Lord said, “I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them” (vs. 18).

As the Lord performs all these affirming words, He has a purpose. “I am doing this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means – that it is the Lord who has done this, the Holy One of Israel who created it” (vs.21). Our trust in God becomes a witness to the world of His faithfulness.

As a final note in His discourse of encouragement, the Lord said, “Look! Help is on the way!” (vs. 27). Our greatest and most impacting prayer in a time of turmoil and desperation is to ask God to reveal to us how He is at work in the middle of our troubles. What will come as an answer to that prayer will be the revelation of the hand of God and how His love has always been at work in our lives. We could not see it until the eyes of faith clarified our spiritual sight. That insight will radically change how we see this life and choose to walk through the challenges we are currently facing.