Encouragement for Today

March 13, 2025 How Can I Know God Is Working in This Situation? LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

I know God is my Protector. But sometimes my heart struggles to feel protected by God.

Most of us have experienced some kind of sorrow, heartbreak, rejection, abandonment or discouragement where we thought life was going one way, and then it was hijacked. In these moments, it’s tempting to wonder, How am I supposed to trust God in this? Maybe that’s where you are right now.

In John 16:33, Jesus says: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV).

If you’ve endured deep hurt, you understand the “trouble” Jesus references here. But maybe, like me, you struggle sometimes to believe the other words in this verse with your whole heart. Words that say Jesus has overcome the world. And through Him, we can experience peace even in the hardships we face.

That’s why I want to offer three truths you can take hold of right now:

1. When it feels like you can’t do anything, there is something you can do today.

You may feel completely powerless and terrified in your circumstances. We often can’t control what happens to us. But that doesn’t leave us completely out of control — we can recite the truth found in Psalm 91:2 to our fearful hearts: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

Pause right now and say these words. It may not seem like much at first, but by declaring this, you’re doing what can be done today. Reminding yourself of this truth is something you can do even when it feels like nothing else can be done.

2. Just because you don’t see God’s intervention at this present moment doesn’t mean it’s not happening or you won’t see it one day.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking I have to see evidence of God working today to believe He’s working at all. But the thing is there are always two realities. There’s the physical reality we see: the heartbreak, the horrific circumstances, the person who's hurting us, the fear and anxiety we’re feeling. And there’s a spiritual reality that is also present, so what we see right now isn’t the entire story. God is always working.

3. Even if you feel uncertain, you don’t have to live in uncertainty about God.

It’s important to acknowledge our feelings. But while feelings are great indicators, they should never be dictators of how we process life. We may feel afraid, angry or skeptical, but we don’t have to live afraid, angry or skeptical. Even when our feelings are screaming, the Truth of God’s Word can keep us grounded.

Friend, ask God to fill your mind with these perspectives today. Remember: This chapter is part of your life, but it’s not the sum of your life. Jesus has overcome the world, and He is with you in what you’re walking through right now.

Father God, thank You for reminding me of the truth in light of what feels presently scary. Help my forgetful heart remember what I’ve read here today. I know You love me, You are for me, and You’re always working on my behalf. I trust You with all the details of my life and everything I can’t control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Some messages need to be worked through — not just quickly read. That's why Lysa TerKeurst created The Trust Journey, a guided journal to use alongside her book I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t. When you preorder today, you’ll receive 10 audio prayers from Lysa along with a full worship playlist that includes songs from the journal so you can start listening right away! Preorder now!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 16:7, “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (NIV).

Where do you need the Lord’s presence and guidance right now? How is He revealing Himself in the night you may be facing?

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