In this post, I wrote about the hardships of winter. Within those words, there was an implied meaning. Not only was I speaking of the bleakness and difficulties that occur during the winter months, but I was digging deeper. Looking at the burdens and hurts that so many around me are feeling. During times of intense sadness, confusion, stress, illness, job loss, and grieving life can appear so grim. But there is hope, renewal, and beauty when we turn our faces and hearts to the Lord.
At times we may even feel as the Psalmist did:
I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Psalm 69:3
But don't quit.
Keep calling out. Keep pouring out your soul. Keep giving you heart to him. Keep turning your face to His.
For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
Psalm 22:24
Sarah Young writes in her devotional Jesus Calling,
I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Emmanuel (God with you); My presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me. Some of my children find Me more readily during dark times, when difficulties force them to depend on Me. Others feel closer to Me when their lives are filled with good things. They respond with thanksgiving and praise, thus opening wide the door to My Presence.
I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life in this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject My gifts; find Me in every situation. (pg. 156)
The Lord loves us with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). He desires for us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. (I Pet. 5:7). When times are dark and trials are weighing us down give it all to the Lord. Cry out to Him, wrap all your tribulation in a bundle and hand it up to the One who can solve them.
Then take time to thank Him for everything. Yes, even the hardships. We may not see it now, but later, maybe a long time from now, we will see the beauty from the ashes. (Isa. 61:3)
I have learned that there is always beauty in the ashes. I have yet to have endured the bad times being drug though the fire that something good hasn't blossomed through the trial. Thanks for reminding to be thankful for everything even the hardships.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderfully blessed day!!!
Thanks, Jenn, for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI've written things very similar to this. God doesn't make mistakes in what He gives us.
ReplyDeleteThis abolutely wonderful. I'm learning to thank God in everything. Romans 8:28 is my favorite verse. He really does have our best interests at heart even when we can't see it at the time.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Jackie
This is awesome - so encouraging...
ReplyDeletethank you.
ReplyDeletei needed this.
chas
very nicely written... and very true too. Thank you
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn ~
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by to let you know that you are to receive a subscription for "Answers" magazine! Please email me at ~
flowersinhisgarden@gmail.com
or visit my blog and look up the "giveaway winners" post from January 15th.
I will need your mailing address and the name you want the subscription to be made out to. :)
Blessings,
Camille
You're so inspiring, such a gift you have of sharing and writting your thoughts for us all to read. I just happened to come across your blog and am not sure how I arrived here now??? Its just wonderful to read such inspiring posts from women of faith like you,those who truly are Christ followers. Do pop over to my blog if you get a chance, in all your busy~ness sometime,I'd be thrilled!!! We worship an Awesome God and I am so thankful He has lead me to such wonderful ladies like you!!!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs Dena from the frozen tundra of Iowa
Wait, it is mud I see appearing out there today,yuck..
fabulous post!
ReplyDeletein those "winter" times it is so crucial to continue crying out. i do not believe that i would have survived the past few years without my God.
i also just read about your brother in law and will pray.
love you!