Imagine with me the disciples troubled in a room. Their leader was constrained by a tomb, lifeless and powerless. They must have be frightened, discouraged, and ashamed. And then, Jesus appeared.
Overwhelmed
Discouraged
Defeated
Ashamed
Afraid
Empty
Lost
Whatever it may be that is bringing you down, think of this scene.
And then, Jesus appeared.
In your troubles Jesus can and will appear.
He will comfort,
He will refresh,
He will renew,
By the power of the Holy Spirit when you cry out for Him.
"In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:12-14 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Has life been difficult? For the most part, many of us can answer a loud and resounding, "Yes!" Perhaps this year has been more challenging than others or it may just take a nose dive into darker days. I've had my share of troublesome days, and through each hardship I've had a choice: to receive God in the midst of the trial or reject Him. In every situation, both good and bad, you too have been given a choice to acknowledge God or reject Him, to worship Him or reject Him, to trust Him or reject Him. And yes, lack of trust is a form of rejection even if you claim to love Him. It is my desire that both you and I be a people who not only say we're Christians but live as Christ-followers everyday, in every situation.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
For you dear Friend who is caught up in a fiery trial, I encourage you to wrap yourself in God's word. At times you will not receive a word fitly spoken, which is not a bad thing... God still speaks to us through the beautiful mystery of His Spirit. But oh when you read those words that penetrate your heart and seep deep into your bones and your spirit is rejuvenated, refreshed and restored— nothing compares to these moments. The good news for you is that God yearns to speak to you. And never forget that what matters to you, matters to God; not matter how small or how big the matter may be. I encourage you to not give up on God, His word or praising Him.
For you beloved who is found in the days of peace, sow for yourselves seeds from God's word in the vineyard that is your heart. Seasons will come where you will need to pluck a harvest of hope, encouragement and truth. Better to have a reserve of God's word than to find yourself helplessly begging for any word, any help, any truth. If you are not prepared for these difficult times, you may be easily swayed in the wrong direction. Enjoy these days of peace in the presence of God, in His word and in His praises.
Praying for you to know God's presence, His embrace and His strength. Oh, and here is a Psalm that I hold unto for dear life when I am in the midst of difficult times: Psalm 126
"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like those restored to health.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them."
Sarah Macintosh's song is so fitting and right on.
He is for you, He is with you in the fire and He will get you through this! Many blessings to you. - Laughter Comes Upon Us, Sarah Macintosh
-
I've wept until I made a visible trail This path has not been kind or ever friendly But if I thought I’d want it another way I’d surely find that nothing else is for me
Cause He is closer to me this way Drawn by the tears and pouring rain Right here clutched in His embrace Whispering breath against my ear Tucked up against His scarred ribcage Right here is where I want to stay
Laughter comes upon us like its lightning Striking without wind or cloud or change In knew that if I’m with Him it’d be this way ‘Cause promises are promises to Him
.JPG)