They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by
me. . . . God made my life complete when I placed all
the pieces before him.—Psalm 18:18,20

God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who
are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue
in bad times. In lean times he keeps body and soul
together.—Psalm 33:18-19

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to
rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God
right there. If you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you
catch your breath.—Psalm 34:17-18

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders. He’ll carry your
load, he’ll help you out.—Psalm 55:22

God heals the heartbroken and bandages their
wounds.—Psalm 147:3

Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring
salt in their wounds.—Proverbs 25:20

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most
dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the
One most dear to you.”—Matthew 5:4

Jesus said, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you
will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this
godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.
But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”—John 16:33

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus
the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing
counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through
hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside
someone else who is going through hard times so
that we can be there for that person just as God was
there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come
from following the Messiah, but no more so than the
good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure
of that, too. When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your
healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a
helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to
your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching.
Your hard times are also our hard times. When we
see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times
as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to
make it, no doubt about it.—2 Corinthians 1:3-7

It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us
going.—2 Corinthians 5:7

Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us
around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We
never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress
drive them away from God are full of regrets, end
up on a deathbed of regrets.—2 Corinthians 7:10

Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy
Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate
part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t
take such a gift for granted.—Ephesians 4:30