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READ: MATTHEW 10:29-31; ROMANS 8:28-29; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9; HEBREWS 13:5\n\n\n\nAre you going through a stressful time? Is life really hard? \n\n\n\nIn every hard time, we are seen. We are known, and we are loved. And the One doing all of this caring is God Himself. Jesus understands suffering. He suffered and died for you.\n\n\n\nIn Matthew 10, Jesus says that God has His eye on every sparrow that falls from its branch. The bird\u2019s whole life is noticed by its Maker: from hatchling, to bird-in-flight, to nest-builder and worm-eater and tender-of-its-young, on to old age.\n\n\n\nThroughout our lives, we will encounter suffering. Yet, our heavenly Father sees all we go through. He has compassion on us and comforts us, and He has planned for all believers a glorious life ahead that we cannot even imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5).\n\n\n\nSo, in every struggle He says, \u201cBe encouraged,\u201d or as some Bible translations put it, \u201cLet your heart take courage\u201d (Psalm 31:24). How do we do this? We can take ahold of the courage God offers by trusting in Him. Instead of focusing on all the hard stuff, as believers we can choose to focus on Jesus because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Holy Spirit gives us faith and reminds us of who God is and how much He cares for us. One practical way we can choose to trust Him is to live in the \u201ceven though\u2019s,\u201d believing God\u2019s truths, even though the circumstances are tough. Here are some examples:\n\n\n\nEven though\u2026I miss the person who died, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He is right here with me. He said He would never leave me, nor forsake me. Ever.\n\n\n\nEven though\u2026I am suffering through this illness, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He promises to use this difficulty for good. I can trust Him. Always.\n\n\n\nRest assured today, His eye is upon you, right now, even in the stressful experience you may be facing. He loves you, and you can trust Him for what lies ahead. \u2022 Kristen Merrill\n\n\n\n\u2022 The One who made you understands and cares about everything that is going on in your life, right now. His loving eye is always on you (Psalm 32:8). What are some of the stressful things you\u2019ve experienced lately? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these things\u2014you can be totally honest about your hurts, sorrows, frustrations, and fears. As you talk to Him, consider trying out the phrase \u201ceven though,\u201d using the truths from today\u2019s Bible passages.\n\n\n\nBe strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh. Psalm 31:24 (WEB)