This has been a sad morning. Sadness has creeped back into my heart and taken hold this morning. Sadness, that chasm that I did not want to be a part of–that friend in which I wanted to be estranged–it is here. It is easy to run from that dull ache of pain, but sadness can be a gift which tells us that we need someone and something more than ourselves.
As I wrote these words in my journal during my prayer time this morning, my friend Cindy texted this:
“Discouragement is the enemy’s highest goal, but praises spoken in adoration of the Lord change feelings of defeat into glorious triumph.”
Hmmm. What a gift. In whatever emotion–sadness, longing, loneliness, the Lord, My Shepherd, is there caring, loving and growing me. The Great “I AM” is with me. He is good. He uses all things to make us more like Him. Without today’s sadness, I would be trusting in myself and miss the gift that He is.
Psalm 22:24
“For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard when he cried to him.”
Oh, praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead. Christ is my life, my hope, my all.
The Art of Coming Alive 
hmmm…such a gospel-centered perspective. thank you for sharing your heart…it encourages mine!
Loved this! So glad that your stronghold is Christ! You have such a gift of encouragement – even as you are facing your own challenges. Thank you, Jen! Keep it coming!
Would love to get to know you better, but I always see you surrounded by people and ministering to others! I enjoy reading your posts…always thought-provoking. It’s a gift! 🙂