You know the feeling. Just pick the word that most aptly describes you right now:
Discouraged.
Defeated.
Depressed.
Overwhelmed.
Exhausted.
Burdened.
Weary.
Frustrated.
Confused.
Hopeless.
Lost.
Do you know these feelings? At one time or another I think that one of these words could have described the way I felt. Does one of these words describe the reality of your life right now?
Today, I was reading through a portion of Deuteronomy 33 in which Moses gives some parting words to the tribes of Israel. I love these encouraging words:
There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (33:26-27)
Perhaps in spite of the way we feel, we actually have security and safety because God is holding us with his everlasting arms. Maybe he really is a refuge we can count on regardless. Perhaps when we are feeling as if we are losing our joy and our grip on things, maybe we can turn to God and savor what it means to be carried in his everlasting arms.
I want to thank you for your post today.
It has encouraged me and lifted my spirit.
I hope you have a great weekend brother.
In Him,
Kinney Mabry
but Jim that would be ‘weird’ and I am fighting and yet praying to be just that weird….thanks for this.
Very good, Jim. I am going to link this to an email to a niece who really needs to read / believe this today. (Not that I don’t need it myself!)
Jim you will never know how I pray that is true. Feelings of discouragement, defeat, confusion, abandonment and even anger have been my lot since December 16. Finding texts like Deuteronomy 33 have been my food along with Pss 3, 13, 56, etc … texts that claim God puts our "tears in a bottle" (NRSV). I needed this blog today and I am looking for that refuge Moses promises.
Jim,
Important post. The sad thing is that all too often these feelings are caused by people and institutions within the church.
May we all be channels of God’s grace and love to those we encounter. May we learn to live with joy, hope and peace.
God Bless,
Rod
Kinny,I am glad that in some way God used these words to life your spirit and provide some encouragement. Thanks.
Becky,You are probably right. Thanks! May God bless you in your walk with Jesus.
Thank you Greg. I trust that in some way, God will use these words with her.
Thank you Bobby. It sounds like you have gone through some very dark times the last couple of months. I am glad this could be of some encouragement. I will pray for you.Jim
Thank you Rod. What you said is so true. We need to pray that we will be channels of love and grace to those who we encounter.This is a reminder that we do not need to be the kind of person that leaves people in worse shape than before we this time with them.
My feelings tend to come and go and twist and turn. When I’m feeling awful, I try to just hang on to God. He’s steadfast. He’s reliable even though my feelings aren’t.
Ben,Thank you for voicing this for so many people who have felt much the same. I know I have.