Thursday

When this sad, sick world gets you down

I knew better than to click on the YouTube video of the cute puppy in the shelter.

When my daughters lived at home, they’d run interference for me. “Don’t watch that movie,” they’d warn when a preview came on. Or they’d say, “It was a good movie, but Mom can’t watch it.” They know I’m tenderhearted and have a tendency to carry images around in my mind for a long, long time. This is why they try to protect me from stories about sad animals, news reports about neglected children, and tales about the abused elderly.

But sometimes the stories still sneak by. I hear about broken marriages, natural disasters, and suicide bombers. Fighting church members, hungry toddlers, and drug addicted homeless people. Cancer-stricken friends, bankrupt small business owners, and wayward children.

And my heart breaks. It aches for every hurting soul that walks this broken world. 

I know the answers—that sin has been wrapping its poisonous tentacles around our planet since Eve’s sin in the garden, and no generation is exempt. That we are engaged in a cosmic battle between good and evil that won’t be resolved until Christ returns. That people will continue to hurt, kill, and destroy each other until the Prince of Peace reigns over all.

I know that while all creation groans to split its death-stained exoskeleton and be clothed in the light and life of its original, sinless garment, we must endure a little while longer.

These nine life preservers of truth comfort me when I am overwhelmed, and I cling to them: 

1.  God never intended for mankind to experience sickness, loss, and death. He created the world perfect (Gen. 1:31).

2.  He weeps with us, and we share in the fellowship of suffering (Rom. 8:17).

3.  Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more (Rom. 5:20).

4.  When the burdens get too heavy, we can cast our burdens on him, and he will sustain us (Ps. 55:22).

5.  Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4).

6.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

7.  One day he will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will pass away” (Rev. 21:4).

8.  These momentary light afflictions are accomplishing in us an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).

9.  Eternity is forever. We do not lose hope, knowing that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that awaits us (Rom. 8:18).

And so we cry, crawl up into God’s warm embrace, accept the grace he extends to us, and press on. 


This is my rescue dog, Winston



“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isa. 46:4).

What truths from Scripture comfort you when you feel overwhelmed? Will you bless this sweet blogging community by sharing them in the comment section? If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE, scroll down, and click on the Comment button.

And if you’d like to watch a happy animal shelter video, click here. It’s Lori approved. If you’re reading by email and unable to see the video, CLICK HERE.








 

 

This devotion is an excerpt from Lori’s new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women.

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8 comments:

  1. Good words and good verses, Lori. Such a blessing to know that God provides all of these comforts, encourages and purposes in our earthly challenges.
    Gail : )

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  2. Wonderful! Loved the encouragement you shared from God's Word. Two of my other favorites are Romans 8:28 and Psalm 3:3-5
    But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    You're my glory, the Lifter of my head;
    4 I call out to the Lord,
    and He answers me from His holy mountain.
    5 I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
    P.S. I LOVED the video!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim, I have a painting of a peaceful white lab lying curled up on a bed with his head on the pillow and Proverbs 3:5 written in script above him. KInda fits this whole puppy thread that's woven itself through this post quite nicely :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Lori,
    Your scripture selections are encouraging treasures.
    My go-to verse when overwhelmed or confidences leaves me is Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

    Great post.
    Write on!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lori,

    I have been reading your blog for a little over a year now, after I found the web address from your book, Joy in the Journey. I enjoy your posts because they have been so encouraging for me.

    The Bible verses I run to when I am overwhelmed is from Matthew 11:28-30 ESV:
    28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
    29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
    30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
    This verse encourages me, and helps me remember that I am not going through this life alone, when when there are awful and soul-wrenching things happening in this world.

    Love in Christ,

    Stephanie Soto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie,
      Thanks so much for introducing yourself. It's always a treat to hear from readers who have found their way to my door. Welcome and come on in!

      I love love love your encouragement verses. They draw me right straight into the arms of our precious Savior. Thank you for sharing them.

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  5. Thank you for writing this. I, too, take hope in the fact that the world has already been overcome by Him. I also avoid a lot of videos and stories, as does my sensitive oldest son. God is good and His hope is eternal!

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  6. My kids say the same to me when some sad commercial... comes on! Thanks for the good reminders!

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