Some days are just incredibly tough.
We all hit seasons where the daily demands don’t let up; hard decisions lead to relational conflict and we do our best to hang on.
There’s always another bill in the mail, the “to-do” list is never done, the house needs cleaning, the laundry needs folding, and the phone never stops ringing.
Do you ever wonder where that “abundant life” Jesus talks about went?
Recently, I came across a short piece my dad wrote that included a work William Cowper (1731–1800) wrote centuries ago. Wrestling with deep despair and depression, having attempted suicide more than once, he couldn’t go on. In that dark place, God provided a comfort he had not felt in a long time. He sat quietly and wrote this piece titled “Shining Out of Darkness”:
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
Sometimes God’s providential hand seems absent, and His presence feels nonexistent. Perhaps that is where you find yourself today . . . alone, discouraged, confused, lost.
My friend, I want to remind you God has not forgotten you. While He seems quiet, He knows exactly where you are and what you need. Ask Him to find you, to help you, to lift your spirits and comfort your soul. Remember the words of Job who lost everything. Alone, in his grief, he wrote the following:
I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed. BUT, he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as gold. (Job 23:8–10, NLT, emphasis added)
I have learned that it’s in these dark seasons when I’m tempted to let my emotions take over, believing God has given up on me or doesn’t care about where I am. May I plead with you . . . don’t give up. Don’t do more or allow your feelings to dictate your direction. Fall before the Lord and rest. Ask Him for His divine comfort; go to His Word and believe it even if you see no evidence of His presence. Give up trying to find Him, and ask Him to reach down and carry you. Your faith is being tested . . . allow the refiner’s fire to cleanse you and create in you a spirit of tender mercies.
If you find yourself in this place today, please reach out and let me know how I can help. I understand. I’ve been there. I’m here to help you. Let’s connect today.
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