God's Glory Church

“He stretched out His hand from on high, He took me.” — Psalm 17:17

In a recent post, blogger Bonnie Gray recalled a moment when her heart was filled with great sadness. “During the happiest period of my life… I suddenly began to experience panic attacks and depression.” Gray tried to find ways to soothe her pain, but soon realized that she could not cope with it on her own. “I didn’t want anyone to question my faith, so I didn’t tell anyone and just prayed for my depression to go away. But God wants to heal, not shame us or let us hide from our pain.” Gray found healing in God’s presence; The Lord was her anchor in the midst of the raging waters that tried to swallow her up.

If we are overcome by despair, let us remember: God is with us and He will support us. In Psalm 17, David praised God for deliverance from his enemies. He proclaimed: “[God] stretched out His hand from on high, He took me, He brought me out of the great waters” (v. 17). Even in a moment of despair, when it seems that he rises above us like waves in the ocean, God loves us so much that He will reach out His hand and help us, bringing us to a “large place”, a place of peace and security (v. 20). If it seems to us that we are suffocating in life’s difficulties, let us rely on God, our refuge!

When have you felt overwhelmed by a challenge? How has God supported you?

Heavenly Father, sometimes my burden becomes too heavy to bear. Thank you for constantly extending your hand to me, supporting me and giving me peace, strength and wisdom.

Author: Kimya Loder (guest)