For Sorrowful Times

As some of you know, the month of July has not ended on a joyful note for my family. While we began on a peak with celebrations for the birth of our nation and musings about the birth of another child, we have suddenly found ourselves wondering a dark valley of questions and sadness. While we trust the Lord implicitly and know that His foreknowledge surpasses our understanding completely, there are times when the truth of the Word seems to offer little comfort.

However, the Lord is good and His mercy without fail, endures forever. And because He loves me, it is renewed every morning. As I am wading through waves of sorrow, I have been reminded of King David on a continual basis. When he and Bathsheba lost the child born to them out of iniquity, it grieved his heart deeply, but he continued on and praised the name of the Lord regardless. His attitude and position of heart made room for their beloved child, Solomon, which followed them directly afterward. While gross sin and error may have nothing to do with my situation or your’s, the principle remains the same.

There is a decision to be made in places of pain, and a solace of precious communion made available to those who will choose it. The worship that can be released from our sufferings is amongst the purest we will ever be capable of before we reach heaven’s shores, and if we will allow it to come forth and refuse all bitterness, then miracles begin to line up on our behalf.

Consider God’s choicest servant, Job. He lost his entire family, save his moaning wife. He lost all his livestock, his servants, his home, and finally his health. His “friends” extended him the courtesy of fellowship laden with accusations, and his wife encouraged him to curse God and die for the destruction he was lying in. Throughout the time of testing, he held his tongue and continued to bless the name of the Lord. God does not mind if you question Him, or even remind Him of your faithfulness, but keep your peace and lift your praise!

Sometimes all we can do is extend our hands toward heaven and simply acknowledge the fact that He alone is God, and thank Him for His faithfulness to us. If you’re reading this and find yourself in a place of pain, don’t reject it, but begin to thank God for the grace to go forward, and for the opportunity to praise.

With Love and Compassion,

Jen