Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 118:1 (NKJV)
Series Focus: “Let There Be Light”
Swallowed by circumstances, I sank deep into despair. Darkness rushed my soul. The impossibilities overwhelmed my mind. Fear imprisoned my heart and paralyzed my faith. Even still, somehow, through panicked tears and a racing heart, I managed to breathlessly whisper, “God…”
Have you ever been there? Feeling lost, isolated and unable to handle the situation raging before or within you? The relentless battle threatens to rip your entire world to shreds. Under that immense pressure, you cave: powerless, broken, defeated.
Suddenly, light pierces the thick darkness. The impossible abruptly becomes possible. Where there was lack, provision becomes available. Where there was chaos, peace. Where there was weakness, strength. Where there was looming death, life springs forth. Psalm 112:4 (ESV) says:
Light shines in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
Negative situations and circumstances we experience in life may seem to surround us and overtake us. But God is always with us. Even in moments of turmoil, God is for us. His mercies—His compassions—they are new every morning…just for you! Jesus told us that in this life we would have trouble, but we should be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.
He hears. He sees. He knows. And His glorious light pierces the darkness to flood our lives with His grace, His compassion, and His righteousness. Nothing is too hard for Him. Just as Jesus was moved with compassion as He saw those hurting, in need, and lost, He looks upon you the same way in your struggle: full of mercy; full of grace; full of compassion.
That battle I had experienced… God’s light blasted through the panic, the fear, and the consuming darkness. In an instant, He aligned the answer and orchestrated the remedy. He is forever faithful, my friends, and His love for you never fails. Just as Moses had prayed for the children of Israel, as recorded in Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV), this is our prayer for you:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Psalm 100:5, 112:4, 118:1; Matthew 9:36, 14:14; Mark 4:39, 6:34, 8:2; Luke 1:37, 7:13, 10:33; John 1:5, 16:33; Philippians 4:19; Deuteronomy 31:6; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Numbers 6:24-26