You brought me up from the grave, O Lord . You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the Lord , all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalms 30:3-5 NLT
Joy in the Lord.
Peace in the storm.
The Love of Christ.
These can be had regardless of circumstances or season. They are the result of faith instead of doubt, obedience instead of rebellion, repentance instead of sinfulness, Kingdom living instead of worldliness, sacrificial service to others instead of self worship, generosity towards others instead of selfishness.
Yes, His ways are so much different than our own.
If you are struggling today – whether it is struggling against temptation, struggling financially to make ends meet, struggling spiritually with doubt, struggling emotionally with depression – He will lift you out of the depths. Take your worries and concerns to Him in the brokenness of heartfelt prayer. He has not forsaken you, little flock. Turn back to Him.
And if you are stuck, trapped, and feel like you cannot make the journey back home to His house. If you feel lost and as if you don’t even know the way back, cry out to Him. He will leave the 99 and come for you. He will rescue you, even from the depths of darkness. Cry out to Him from your heart. Your humble brokenness is the only sacrifice you need bring to the altar, child. It is the only thing of any value we have to offer to the creator of the heavens and earth who will open His arms to us and shine down upon us His blessing and favor.
Harold J. Ballinger 