Most of us can readily relate to experiencing life when there was some kind of very troubling cloud of worry or dread hanging over us. Such times may have tested our faith in our God being “with us” to get us through such difficult days back to bright life ever again. No one of us can know when such a faith testing time is approaching.
In contrast to the above, almost all of us could remember and describe various difficult trials that by the grace of God we not only were enable get through, but were somehow blessed to actually enjoy life with an optimistic and bright outlook again.
The pressing question is, what is our true heart-felt explanation for how this renewed arrival at brightness of life came to be? Was it mere luck? Was it your own toughness? Was it your skill at just thinking your way through difficulties or heartache or hardship?
Somehow I think that we all know that we are not strong enough or “lucky” enough to handle every life-distressing problem we may have to face.
Is there a Source of help that could handle “all anxieties” or adversities life can bring? If there is and Someone is offering it to us, it’s not hard to realize how brightening this could be to our lives. Has anyone ever really found such a caring Helper and received help and renewal like this? Consider the following words:
“The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” (Psalms 116, 3-7)
From the dark clouds of deep life distress, the Psalmist re-entered life in the glow of God’s amazing grace. Instead of just forgetting and moving on, the Psalmist said:
“What shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” (Psalms 116, 12-14)
Instead of forgetting and just moving on, like the Psalmist, let’s remember receiving help to get through the dark time life often brings. Like the Psalmist, let’s be renewed in our commitments to love God and serve Him for His brightening grace.