We
may not be able to control life’s mishaps,
 but
we can choose rather or not to be discouraged.
Our
hearts may hurt, and souls may grow weary, 
but
God’s love is forever.
God
built us with emotions and it’s okay to express them, 
but
remember God’s unfailing love through them all. 
Nothing’s
too hard to bear with God. 
He
will comfort you and guide you. 
He
loves you.
He
cares about you.
He
will never leave you nor forsake you.
Rest in Him. 
S.
Thompkins

Whenever there’s a ray of sunshine
gleaning through the clouds, trees, or window blinds, it seems like the
presence of God is near. It’s like He’s announcing, “I AM here”. 
When facing difficult times, it’s
easy to want to become isolated. Yet, these are the times that we should become
more connected than ever. Connected to those who wish us well and want to see
God’s showers of blessing rain in our lives. When dealing with grief, we all go
through the process as best described by Elisabeth Kubler Ross. We face the
feelings of denial or shock, anger, bargaining, depression, then hopefully
acceptance. These feelings are normal, and some may stay in one stage longer
than others and that’s okay too. What’s not okay is when months have gone by
and your unable to function properly or tend to those everyday activities that
you used to do before the lost. We must keep living and making the most out of
life. We only get one life and there’s no do-overs as far as I know! So, get
help from a counselor, if you need to, to help you channel your feelings in a
healthier way. Choose to live! The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves
those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18). 
Reflection: What past, or present,
situation have you faced in life that has left you feeling hurt or broken? What
steps can take to move forward? What are some scriptures that you can use to
speak to your situation?