The Word of God

Today the weather very clearly matches my emotions. I am discouraged and frustrated, and I feel those little tinges of depression lurking about. Yesterday I felt tearful. I am sluggish physically and weary emotionally. I feel worn down. School should have started nearly an hour ago, but the girls are still finishing morning chores and I am letting them take their time. We'll get to it.

"Your Word have I treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You." Ps. 119:11

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for You." 1 Peter 5:6&7

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my only hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Ps 62:5-8

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence or if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Phil 4:4-8

Before Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus saw all those who loved Lazarus weeping from their grief. Scripture says that "He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled," and that "Jesus wept." (John 11:33b and 35)

What great comfort I have today. What an incredible blessing we have in the Word of God! It proves to me that I have no condemnation. So many times David felt pressed down, depressed, and crushed in spirit. He knew God was going to take care of him and trusted in that, but the here and now weighed down on him heavily. He was not condemned - he was comforted. Jesus Himself had moments of grief when His emotions weighed heavily on Him - grief for His friends and even for Himself. We are emotional beings, made to feel joy and sorrow. There is no wrong in it. If there were, why would Jesus have said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

My emotions are still low as the here and now weighs upon us, but my spirit is comforted. I know that even when our circumstances are discouraging, God is still working and He is still faithful. I don't know when our circumstances will change, but God never will change. Just as the sun is attempting to peek through the dark clouds outside this morning, God's light is always present - even if just a small stream - to remind us that He is our comfort, our peace, and our strength. Thank you, Lord!