Heavy Days

Wow, that last couple of days have been heavy.

There are some people in my life that are hurting deeply this week, and it breaks my heart.

I have felt the weight of sin, the depravity of man, and the brokenness in our world.

If I think about it too much, it really puts me in a place of grief and sadness that feels overwhelming.

Today, at church, I was reminded that even though we grieve, it is not without hope.

In those moments of hopelessness, we allow the enemy to creep in and consume us with fear, doubt, and despair.

I witnessed a living example of faith today that encouraged me beyond words.

I watched a friend who has experienced, what to most would be debilitating, stand up and lead us in worshipping and praising God.

In that moment, I could say, "Lord, this is real.  It is real in her life and if she can stand up and praise you in the midst of these circumstances then I have all the more reason to."

Who knew that I would be so ministered to by someone that I felt might need ministry from me?

These words became more real to me than they ever were before:

"You Never Let Go"  ~ Matt Redman


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

(Chorus 2x's)

I don't know what pain you might be experiencing, but I do know this, the only hope you will find is in Jesus.  This life can feel really long and hard many days.  Guess what?  With Christ, we have the hope of Heaven where all pain, all sin, and all sickness will be gone for eternity.

That is the hope I am clinging to today.