To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain

Sadness hits hard. The realization that I cannot change my present circumstances brings me to a place of utter despair and isolation. My only consolation is to surrender to the hope that lies within me. The temporary happiness in this world dissolves into a faint memory, leaving me empty once again. The only escape is to worship God, which shifts my focus from self to the Divine. It is still a lonely place to be. It is a place of deeper faith, where no human can bring real comfort. It is my valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes it feels like insanity and other times it is a place of inner peace. It is the battle between the sin nature and the God Spirit that lives in me, yearning to be content no matter what lot has been given me.

I am holding on to my sound mind. I am protecting my ears with worship music. I am giving thanks to God in all things. I am begging for inner strength. I am praying in the spirit realm. I am trusting in my Heavenly Father, the God of Heaven and Earth. My all in all.

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Death is dying to self realization. The valley is heart surgery that God,the Great Physician, does. That's why we are reminded that because He is our shepherd, all our wants are truly filled if we allow Him to fill it. Because of the busyness and noise of the culture we live in, it is imperative that we follow Him as He makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. We need to get into a quiet place in our hearts in order for Him to restore our soul. Boy, does our soul need restoration after filling
it with temporary happiness! We need to let God cleanse us with His Spirt like we need our colon cleansed from all the toxins we put in our body.

I really don't care to be awake at the ungodly hour of 230am. But I think it's God who woke me up because it's the only time I have that's quiet enough for me to sort out my thoughts, the hurt feelings, the tiredness and surrender it to Him. It's so hard to admit when there is bitterness in my heart for issues like neglect and not feeling appreciated. I know that every wife and mom experiences this. Chin up and have a spot of tea. It'll all go away. I promise! Really? This hard, cold world says "Suck it up and move on - somebody out there has it worse than you. And nobody cares, anyway." Wait, maybe that's Satan talking instead.

Well, God cares. HE DOES! After all, He created us in His image and He hears our heart's cry. Although life is hard and at times we experience unbearable loneliness, He is there. Psalm 139 say so.
God has a plan for us that is good- Jeremiah 29:11. We are part of His magnificent story, a story of redemption and love through His son, Jesus Christ. He's the real knight in shining armor. There is no man in this world who will rescue the way Jesus does. That alone brings me comfort. The knowledge of His love for me makes my cup overflow.

If anyone out there who's heart hurts like
mine does at times, remember that God's love is real and WILL NOT FAIL you. Take
time to quiet your heart, hold on to His promises and be filled with His presence. When you do, He will anoint your head with oil and your cup will overflow.

May God's abundant blessings and transcendent peace fill you to bring comfort to your soul so that you will be there to give that same comfort to others.