God's Word teaches us what to do when we encounter discouraging times. We rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) when our soul - our thoughts, feelings and perception about life - is full of trouble and darkness, when we feel like God has forgotten that we exist, and when God is disciplining us to return to the straight and narrow road.
Sometimes, we feel confined and restricted by our circumstances, drowning in the waves of adversity, tears flooding our eyes and no loved ones around to comfort us (Psalm 88; Numbers 26:9-11; 1 Chronicles 9:19-21).
Our soul is empty of energy and resources, we are inadequate to meet the demands of our daily duties, and we are incapable of even faking a smile.
It helps to journal our prayers as we release our soul of these negative emotions, and as we turn to God for His ever-present comfort in our grief.
With a melancholy personality, I find it very easy to drift off into the mulligrubs! I used to struggle with depression, despair and gloom. However, since I turned eighteen years old - which is when I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to save me - I have to admit that I have never, ever felt hopeless again. We are never alone.
Even in the most negative circumstances of my life, my spirit held on to my lifeline, which is Christ in me (Galatians 2:20). Since God's Spirit healed me from the effects of the trauma in my past, I feel His love pouring over me like a waterfall.
Jesus suffered for thirty-three years on this sin-cursed earth (Hebrews 5:8). He went to the cross to pay our debt and to give us His new life. Our God is caring and loving and quick to hear our cries.
He helps us to change our focus about our distress, and joyously guides us by His Spirit through every step of our life (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). If we humble our self and pray, He joyfully directs us through each moment of our day.
Prayer:
Father God, Your empathy, patience, compassion and comfort dispel our pain and anxiety (Romans 2:4). You never abandon us, and You tenderly and securely hold us in Your everlasting arms. You empower us to rise to any occasion by faith in Your presence within us, and You help us to share Your Agape love to those You bring into our life.
When the darkness surrounds us, Your light comes flooding in (Psalm 112:4-6). You lead us through the valley of the shadow of death, and we have no need to fear any issues that may come upon us (Psalm 23:4). Thank You for filling us with Your Spirit as You did the Saints in the early church, and for directing us in Your perfect will for our life (Ephesians 2:10).
Thought for the Day:
God's goodness follows us all the days of our life, and He showers us with His mercy and truth, which restores our soul and empowers our spirit to walk in His will every day of our life. - Psalm 23:3, 6
