Out of the Grave

Have you ever experienced the lost of a parent? Have you ever experienced a health scare with your child? Have you ever seen a loved one struggle within themselves? Have you ever had someone you cared for pull away from you? Have you ever felt hopeless?

These are things my parents have struggled with, and I am sad they don't know the Lord to be able to claim the promises of strength (Philippians 4:13), hope (Psalm 27:4-5), security (Psalm 91), joy (John 16:33), and peace (Philippians 4:6-7;9). I don't know what it is, but the last few days I have been feeling like with everything going on around me, God has somehow abandoned me. I feel like it; I know it's not true. The feeling of security, hope, joy, and peace have left me. I've only had the strength not give into this little depression I am having. I'll say that last week was not so great. Having to watch a loved one suffer is almost as bad as being the one to suffer, but in a different element. You know when things are out of your hands when no pain pills or holistic care can help. It is clearly out of your hands. So what else can you do but pray? I began the day the pain was mild in my dad's leg and even though it progressed to where he couldn't walk anymore without pain, let alone move one inch without a stabbing effect, I never thought to myself God wasn't doing his job. I've grown to know he allows some things to stretch us to where even when we don't feel hopeful, joyful, secured, or at peace, we have to persevere. Our feelings come and go, but God hasn't. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrew 13:8)

Today whether or not you are not feeling God, remember this-- he has said he will never leave us nor forsake us. His promises have yet to be proven untrue. He always follows through. Just remember where you have been before, whether it be in an unsecured situation or joyless one, remember he is there. Just remember him, give him the credit that is due to him, and I will promise you (because he promises) he will pull you through.

I read Psalm 40 this morning, so I suggest starting there. It's filled with great promises and hope in Him. If you have more time, dive into Psalm 91 also. It is a sweet reminder of his protection and dependability. Don't let the world crash down around you. You cannot keep it going; only He can. So rely on him and let him use you for the what going around this day.