There was really no real reason to feel down, it was just a sad day.
I couldn't blame it on my husband because he was as loving as always,
I couldn't blame it on my friends, because they did nothing wrong,
I couldn't blame it on my kids because they were being great.
It was me.
And I didn't know what to do.
How do I put that smile back on my face?
How do I start feeling like the energetic smiling "cheerleader" that I always am?
We know we shouldn't feel this way, but we still do. The longer we sit, the harder it becomes to get up.
Sadness falls like dominos:
We feel bored, which knocks over our plans for the day...
Which knocks over a bad response from a friend...
Which makes us feel more hurt...
Which makes us want to stay in more...
One after another, the dominos of pain fall until all we feel is pain.
At the end, we are left - fallen.
But, God sees us in this condition, he loves us in this condition and he knows how to nurse it back to good health.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Our Father comes near to pain.
No matter what we are feeling, he is always willing to start healing.
He is always willing to come close.
Always willing to rescue.
Always willing to see the cry of our heart.
God never leaves us.
He is always waiting to receive us.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 31:8)
Friend, let me draw you a little closer to tell you God loves an authentic, real and honest heart. He hears these cries; these cries make us seek him. However, tears of resentment and anger do not help; they block our eyes from beholding - and receiving - the love of Christ.
These two visitors fog the windows of our heart so much that
we miss seeing the love of God pouring down on us.
I crave his love in these moments, don't you? I want him to reach down to my pits, don't you?
God holds love out in place of abandonment.
Hope instead of rejection.
Healing for pain.
Grace for disgrace.
Jesus was well acquainted with pain and he never ran - from it.
He ran - to it.
And brought truth - through it.
The Truth is:
- God has a hope and a future carved out for us. It is waiting for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Christ is at work to strengthen us. (Philippians 4:13)
- Jesus makes us MORE than just an ordinary conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
- Power, love and a sound mind rule us not fear and timidity. (2 Tim. 1:7)
- We are protected, loved and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
- God is an ever-present help in a time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- God will never abandon us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- When we call on God, he hears us. (Matthew 7:7)
- Even when we are faithless, God is faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)
These words lift us up; they speak life and truth and joy and future into our hearts.
We still may not feel entirely great, but we can trust God that he is entirely faithful.
He will bless us as we pursue Him.
Being close with God is not dependent on feelings; it is dependent on the work of Jesus Christ, which has already been completed.
He endured, so we could be "secure".
We are never beaten down for feeling down.
But he desires we draw close to the one who loves us the most.
And not to fall prey, to the one who sees us as prey.
David called, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. (Psalm 42:5)
He was down, but he also saw a way out - a hope in God.
Hope is always present.
God always hears our call.
Faith never ends.
Love always endures.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)
We don't faint, because Jesus carries us in our time of need.
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