Many times in our lives we overcome difficulties and process through our feelings by praying, leaning, relying, and trusting in God. But at other times- perhaps when we are physically, emotionally, or spiritually weary, adjusting to new conditions, while continued negative circumstances seem to keep hitting us- we may feel beat down, low, without hope, as if we are unable to keep stepping forward. In this hard place- depression, fear, self-pity, hopelessness, and the oppressor’s lie that God does not listen, love, or care about our struggles binds and pulls us away from the freedom that Christ Jesus bought for us on Calvary. Because of His great love, He will continue to bring His revelation of Light to us, rescuing us from an emotional and spiritual dark place. Jesus will never leave us alone, but will pursue us, even in the dark place. He comes close in our suffering, closer than we know! As we pour out our hearts, pray, and release, Jesus desires to show us that we are valued, and He loves each of us powerfully and unconditionally. This powerful love will bring us to a place of hope again-hope that His love is bigger than all our depression, hurt, pain, anger, and fear- hope for heart healing- hope that will lift us up, and restore purpose and meaning into our lives. The Lord’s gift of hope will gradually bring us to a deeper and larger place of faith and love. We will then be able to live with an expectant attitude, as we wait for God to work things out, lift us up, and manifest His great LOVE towards us! God is a mountain of strength; He will never leave, forsake, or forget you!

“O my God, my life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]…I will say to God my Rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?…Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God’” {Psalm 42:6a, 9,11).