Weeping, crying, grieving, gut wrenching emotionally draining overwhelming weeping. I’ve been there and know the agony. I think we’ve all been there. Perhaps you’re there now. If you are, I am sorry you are hurting. But be encouraged, God cares, and he knows all about your life and your pain. The Bible is filled with many examples of God showing up in the middle of somebody’s darkest moments and providing not only salvation but also peace, love, and joy.
As I recall a particularly painful time in my life, there were times when I didn’t think it would or could ever get better. I struggled with seeing a way out and although I don’t think it’s physically possible, I felt that every bit of tears had been cried out, buckets full. Would I ever experience joy again? After all, my most used hashtag was joyride, #joyride. And this trial, this devastating event wasn’t much of a “joyride”. Or was it? In James 1:2-4 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The only way through my pain was to be in the word, trust God as I remembered his proven faithfulness and serve him while I was waiting. That was my joyride!
On October 12, 2012, I was reminded of God’s goodness and greatly encouraged by a post on my Facebook page; “Congratulations Christina!! "There is joy in the morning" in your life again ? We miss you, and we pray God's incredible blessings upon . . .John and Tami”
You see, Pastor John and Tami knew of my circumstances. They knew that my “night” wouldn’t last forever and that the sun would rise again. “There is joy in the morning” They shared some sweet scripture with me. Psalm 30:1-5 “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This speaks not only to the reality of suffering but also to the certainty of God's promise of restoration, showing that though we may face darkness, light and joy are guaranteed. King David knew that too and Psalm 30 focuses on the greatness of God and his deliverance. What a joyful song!
As I think of the life of Jesus, he himself wasn’t a stranger to troubles and trials. He experienced the worst of trials on the cross. Life may not be perfect, comfortable, or free of pain and struggle, not even for the most faithful servant of God. But in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and fear, God is always with us and working for us.
If you have chosen to follow Christ, I want to remind you that this world is not your forever home. You won’t always have to deal with pain and weeping for he will wipe every tear from your eyes, and there will be no more sorrow. Lift your voice in praise and thanksgiving, remember God’s goodness and be encouraged because sorrow will not have the last word in your life. #joyride
As I recall a particularly painful time in my life, there were times when I didn’t think it would or could ever get better. I struggled with seeing a way out and although I don’t think it’s physically possible, I felt that every bit of tears had been cried out, buckets full. Would I ever experience joy again? After all, my most used hashtag was joyride, #joyride. And this trial, this devastating event wasn’t much of a “joyride”. Or was it? In James 1:2-4 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The only way through my pain was to be in the word, trust God as I remembered his proven faithfulness and serve him while I was waiting. That was my joyride!
On October 12, 2012, I was reminded of God’s goodness and greatly encouraged by a post on my Facebook page; “Congratulations Christina!! "There is joy in the morning" in your life again ? We miss you, and we pray God's incredible blessings upon . . .John and Tami”
You see, Pastor John and Tami knew of my circumstances. They knew that my “night” wouldn’t last forever and that the sun would rise again. “There is joy in the morning” They shared some sweet scripture with me. Psalm 30:1-5 “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This speaks not only to the reality of suffering but also to the certainty of God's promise of restoration, showing that though we may face darkness, light and joy are guaranteed. King David knew that too and Psalm 30 focuses on the greatness of God and his deliverance. What a joyful song!
As I think of the life of Jesus, he himself wasn’t a stranger to troubles and trials. He experienced the worst of trials on the cross. Life may not be perfect, comfortable, or free of pain and struggle, not even for the most faithful servant of God. But in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and fear, God is always with us and working for us.
If you have chosen to follow Christ, I want to remind you that this world is not your forever home. You won’t always have to deal with pain and weeping for he will wipe every tear from your eyes, and there will be no more sorrow. Lift your voice in praise and thanksgiving, remember God’s goodness and be encouraged because sorrow will not have the last word in your life. #joyride