Movin' Up When You're Feelin' Down
The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk was confused. Why in the world would God raise up a pagan nation that was extremely wicked to judge God's covenant people who weren't quite as sinful?
God answered the prophet by telling him that the Babylonians would get what's coming to them; however, for the time being he was going to use this pagan nation to bring judgment to the people of God because of their sin.
The disasters that he anticipated for his own people were too much for the prophet to handle. He was overcome with grief and horror.
He needed help - divine help. Of God, the prophet wrote, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on to the heights."
The only thing the prophet knew that would sustain him and bring him out of discouraging depression was the Sovereign LORD Himself. He would have to bring his perspective up from despair.
Recently, I have been struck by the suffering of others. A parent loses their child, a friend contemplates suicide, a single parent struggles with custody issues with a deadbeat ex. All of these situations could overwhelm - could destroy faith - could hinder hope.
Except for one thing: Jesus! Jesus ran to suffering - the innocent embracing the guilty's pain. The One from whom all life exists received death's cold kiss. He did this for me. He did this for all that the Father has given to Him.
Do you find yourself in His embrace? When you bring your cry to the Father does He see you in the Son who understands your pain with great sympathy?
Praise God for Jesus - the One who enables us to "go on to the heights" even when we are being pulled down to sorrow's depths.
God answered the prophet by telling him that the Babylonians would get what's coming to them; however, for the time being he was going to use this pagan nation to bring judgment to the people of God because of their sin.
The disasters that he anticipated for his own people were too much for the prophet to handle. He was overcome with grief and horror.
He needed help - divine help. Of God, the prophet wrote, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on to the heights."
The only thing the prophet knew that would sustain him and bring him out of discouraging depression was the Sovereign LORD Himself. He would have to bring his perspective up from despair.
Recently, I have been struck by the suffering of others. A parent loses their child, a friend contemplates suicide, a single parent struggles with custody issues with a deadbeat ex. All of these situations could overwhelm - could destroy faith - could hinder hope.
Except for one thing: Jesus! Jesus ran to suffering - the innocent embracing the guilty's pain. The One from whom all life exists received death's cold kiss. He did this for me. He did this for all that the Father has given to Him.
Do you find yourself in His embrace? When you bring your cry to the Father does He see you in the Son who understands your pain with great sympathy?
Praise God for Jesus - the One who enables us to "go on to the heights" even when we are being pulled down to sorrow's depths.
posted by James Hunt at
3:28 PM
1 Comments:
As always, God's timing is impeccable, and I am thrilled that you are sensitive to His leading. I needed some encouragement tonight. Thanks, James! Always a blessing!
By
Lacey Souders, at 10:32 PM
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