We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.~2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Broken. That’s how I feel. I have every reason to feel joy, but yet here I am with this gray cloud hanging over my head. There is no rhyme or reason that I can point to. I don’t know what needs to be “fixed”. I am battling a familiar enemy on all sides. So what do I do? Where do I go from here? I go to the Truth. I go to the Word of God and speak the things that I do know.
For example, I know that while I am being pressed on many sides, I will not be crushed. God has a host of angels surrounding me, protecting me. I can’t stand how I am feeling and I want it to go away, but it’s just a feeling. The fact is that the enemy’s job is to persecute me, but my God has already declared me victorious. So the weapons fly, I am getting nicked here and there, but I will not be destroyed. Jesus lives in me. Satan can not defeat Him. He knows this and is trying to distract me so that I will forget this truth.
I also know that while others may not understand the weight of depression and chronic illness, my God does. I know that He cares for me and will never abandon me. So regardless of how dark it may seem, there is always His light that lights my path to peace and wholeness. He is my “silver lining” in every cloud. I might feel broken, but I know that by His grace and mercy I am not beyond repair.
Lord, I thank You for listening to me and having compassion on me. I thank You in advance for the victory You will give me in this battle with depression. I thank You for your peace and your wisdom. I thank You for your comfort. May your light shine through my broken places. In Jesus name. Amen
Praying for you this morning. God is good! Followed you from First Five. You're a good writer, check out Five Minute Fridays (Kate Montaung's website). Thanks for sharing your faith.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will definitely check out the Kate’s site.
DeleteFantastic, encouraging blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteJennifer as always thank You for sharing and allowing God to use You to encourage others. It’s funny how I don’t always seem to be on the right date for reading your thoughts on a given day, but I always end up reading the one I need. Today, I needed to be reminded of the scripture you referenced because I am feeling broken, pulled in every direction, crushed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down all at the same time. (Smile)...but GOD...He has a counter word...His TRUTH for all of these things I am feeling. And you are so right...it’s just a feeling, but feelings are not TRUTH! Praying for you and that as I go through this day I will remember God’s truth and will be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Love you!
ReplyDeleteGod is amazing! He directs us to what we need when we need to hear it the most. My pains and struggles remind me of my purpose. The enemy seeks to thwart it, but He can stop what God has already ordain to be and spoken into existence. Praying for your peace and strength. May God keep us both. In Jesus name. Amen
Delete