The Weight of Life & the Promise of Glory

When I left Alaska to move here - a place with actual seasons - I thought my winter blues would be less severe. After all, living here I get to enjoy the beautiful fall colors for more than a few days before the cold sets in. Also, I don't have to deal with those long dark winter days. And the summers are actually warm - not just light-sweater warm or  it's-65-so-I'm-wearing-shorts weather. 

My neighborhood here is pretty and quiet and the people are Midwestern-friendly. Still, I find myself coping with moods that ebb and flow.  Sometimes I feel I might drown. Then I remember that Jesus loves me.

God has been good to me in my physical illnesses and in my emotional struggles. I know that I would not have been able to handle the life I have now in my days of being lost. 

There is a neighbor of mine who deals with depression. She's such a nice woman and I see her fighting her battles hard. Once she admitted to me that she often prays not to wake up in the morning. I can't fathom that. This woman is a Christian but her battles with aging and physical problems are slamming her from every side.

I have not had the courage to ask her if her faith doesn't help. Again, I can't imagine praying not to wake up in the morning. But I haven't lived her battles and I can't understand her struggles. I do hope that I never get to the point she's at right now.

Now that I think about it, I suppose seasonal blues are not as bad as continual and unrelenting mental and physical struggles. My physical illness also ebbs and flows. Usually, thankfully, I am not both physically weak and emotionally fragile at the same time.

I've heard the saying from mothers that the true pain of childbirth doesn't stop them from having more children. The joy must be stronger than the pain. I guess I can say that about life as a believer. The hope we have, the love of God, and the promises He's made are more powerful than what life throws at us. That's the only way I can explain it. 

At this point in my life, I can truly testify that God has never given me more than He helps me bear. I ask that anyone reading this pray for my neighbor. Pray for any of our brothers and sisters who are struggling under the weight of life. Pray that they continue to trust God.

Let us all remember that saying: We are saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. And that we are justified, are being sanctified, and will be glorified.

Source

Praise God.

Peace

--Free