There was really no real reason to feel down, it was just a sad day.
I couldn’t blame it on my husband because he was as loving as always,
I couldn’t blame it on my friends, because they did nothing wrong,
I couldn’t blame it on my kids because they were being great.
It was me.
And I didn’t know what to do.
How do I put that smile back on my face?
How do I start feeling like the energetic smiling “cheerleader” that I always am?
We know we shouldn’t feel this way, but we still do. The longer we sit, the harder it becomes to get up.
Sadness falls like dominos:
We feel bored, which knocks over our plans for the day…
Which knocks over a bad response from a friend…
Which makes us feel more hurt…
Which makes us want to stay in more…
One after another, the dominos of pain fall until all we feel is pain.
At the end, we are left – fallen.
But, God sees us in this condition, he loves us in this condition and he knows how to nurse it back to good health.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Our Father comes near to pain.
No matter what we are feeling, he is always willing to start healing.
He is always willing to come close.
Always willing to rescue.
Always willing to see the cry of our heart.
God never leaves us.
He is always waiting to receive us.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 31:8)
Friend, let me draw you a little closer to tell you God loves an authentic, real and honest heart. He hears these cries; these cries make us seek him. However, tears of resentment and anger do not help; they block our eyes from beholding – and receiving – the love of Christ.
These two visitors fog the windows of our heart so much that
we miss seeing the love of God pouring down on us.
I crave his love in these moments, don’t you? I want him to reach down to my pits, don’t you?
God holds love out in place of abandonment.
Hope instead of rejection.
Healing for pain.
Grace for disgrace.
Jesus was well acquainted with pain and he never ran – from it.
He ran – to it.
And brought truth – through it.
The Truth is:
– God has a hope and a future carved out for us. It is waiting for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)
– Christ is at work to strengthen us. (Philippians 4:13)
– Jesus makes us MORE than just an ordinary conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
– Power, love and a sound mind rule us not fear and timidity. (2 Tim. 1:7)
– We are protected, loved and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
– God is an ever-present help in a time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
– God will never abandon us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
– When we call on God, he hears us. (Matthew 7:7)
– Even when we are faithless, God is faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)
These words lift us up; they speak life and truth and joy and future into our hearts.
We still may not feel entirely great, but we can trust God that he is entirely faithful.
He will bless us as we pursue Him.
Being close with God is not dependent on feelings; it is dependent on the work of Jesus Christ, which has already been completed.
He endured, so we could be “secure”.
We are never beaten down for feeling down.
But he desires we draw close to the one who loves us the most.
And not to fall prey, to the one who sees us as prey.
David called, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. (Psalm 42:5)
He was down, but he also saw a way out – a hope in God.
Hope is always present.
God always hears our call.
Faith never ends.
Love always endures.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)
Thank you for these uplifting scriptures today. I have those sad moments myself, at times. I guess we all do:) But God’s Word is just the right remedy. Have a great week, Kelly!
It is the right remedy Kristine. He lifts us right up. It’s beautiful.
I’m deeply saddened by the one person I thought was a true companion. Thanks a lot for the scriptures, as I go through them and understanding that God is for me and loves me unconditionally. Thanks Kelly, remain blessed.
Maite, I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. I am deeply sorry. God is with you; he always loves you. I am praying for you.
I cannot tell you how much I needed this today. These words were perfect. That’s all I can say. I have three little ones and was hit hard with an upset stomach for 2-3 days, and had to rely on a lot of help. It was extremely hard feeling so poorly and helpless. And for whatever reason, since then, I cannot shake feeling a little down (still don’t feel all the way back to my full self just yet), and I can’t pinpoint an exact reason why. This was just what I needed to read today. Thank you sooooo much! xo <3
Your words are always so encouraging to me! Thanks for sharing this wonderful insight. Very powerful indeed!!
Great truth here. It is so easy to let pain in instead of fighting it away. Thank you for these words! Visiting you from Testimony Tuesday. xoxo
Thank you Sarah. It is hard to fight, but that is the only way we win, right? Much love to you. Thanks for joining me today!
What beautiful words of encouragement! These scriptures are full of hope and healing. And I’m going to mark this post–place it in a reference spot to go to when I start feeling down. Thank you, sweet friend, for encouraging us–even through your sadness. For we all do feel sad from time to time. Love you, Kelly!
Thank you Sabra. God is so faithful to lift us – when we only let him. Much love to you Sabra!
I love this Bible verse: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 31:8)
This week God stretched me out of my comfort zone as I stood in front of a group of women and poured my heart out about our journey with my son’s cancer. When I was so nervous, it was such a comfort to remember — and truly believe — God’s comforting words that He was there with me. He is faithful to us.
Love your reminders and encouragement to remember that even on our down-in-the-dumps days!
He is SO with you Jenni. We all have those days and I am so glad that God is greater. I am proud of you for trusting him by faith to be with you. That is huge! Way to go sister.
“Being close with God is not dependent on feelings; it is dependent on the work of Jesus Christ, which has already been completed.” Kelly, so many times the feelings won’t be there, but we can rest assured that God is with us as He promised in His word in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leaver you, nor forsake you.” Thank you for your encouragement! May God bless you as you continue to encourage others and seek His will.
I love encouraging Gayl. Thank you for the comment. God is always with us. I celebrate this with you today.
single woman full of sadness and lonless I was crying before leading these post. I am far from my family,my friends,even far from my son.no other friends sarounding me……. I wrote in Google ” Christ in sad moment” I found those encouraging wards.thanks .now I am waiting for Christ intervention for my sadness moment.and I trust in him.HE IS ABLE
As a man I still appreciate the encouragement you pour out here. Separated men need to turn to Jesus so much in the darkest hours because as you said he has love in place of abandonment, grace in place of disgrace.