Release Restore Rejoice

When we face certain circumstances in our lives, whether depression; financial setbacks; relationship challenges; marital burdens; or the loss of loved ones due to suicide, illness, murder or natural causes, Jesus feels our pain just as much as we do. Disappointments, dilemmas and death are all part of life. Unfortunately, these circumstances bring grief and pain. However, be comforted in your despair. Know that even when it seems no one else is with you, you are not alone. In Psalm 42:3 David said, “My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, where is your God?” You may also feel like David, wondering, “Where is God in the middle of my suffering?” You may be pouring out your soul and crying yourself to sleep. You may feel there is no way you could ever have joy again after a devastating tragedy. You may feel cheated and betrayed by God. At times you may not be able to eat, sleep, or find the strength to get out of bed, let alone talk to anyone about your burdens and sorrows. Sometimes it hurts so much you wonder if you will ever smile again. It may seem as though no one cares, hears, or understands what you are going through. Occasionally, you feel no one can understand your loss, be it a child, wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, relative, friend, beloved family member, or pet. If you have lost hope and the will to live, I want you to know Jesus cares. Your state of depression and oppression was not meant to overtake you. Jesus and I are rooting for you and we want to help you out of your valley. The valley was only meant to be a place of restoration. Repeat this sentence aloud — the valley was only meant to be a place of restoration. The valley is not your residence. The valley is an experience which brings us low so Jesus can raise us high. The Lord said, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you” (2 Kings 20:5). The visit to the valley does not have to be depressing. On the contrary, the valley is liberating. In the valley we are delivered, not defeated. Your life, mission and purpose are in the One who created you. The Verse states, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28, NKJV). If you cannot take another step, just call on the name of Jesus and He will carry you. The Lord sees and feels your sorrow. He collects every tear which falls from your eyes. When you cry, He collects and numbers your tears. Psalm 56:8 says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book.” Can you believe that? Every one. Jesus saves your tears for the day when you will no longer have to cry. Everything happens in your life for a reason. You may be asking yourself, “Why me?” “Why now?” “Why did my loved ones have to die?” “Why did my mother and father leave me?” “Why did I have such a rough childhood?” “Why did I have to be the victim of molestation and abuse?” “Why was I faced with a divorce?” “Why was I mistreated and entangled in domestic violence?” “Why was my child born with Down Syndrome?” “Why was my baby taken from me?” “Why couldn’t God have taken me instead?” “Why am I afflicted with addictions and disease?” “Why does the diagnosis have to be cancer?” “Why, why, why?” “Can someone please tell me why?” All of your pain and suffering were meant for a purpose. Nothing you go through was designed to defeat you. In all these things, the Lord wants to show you who He is. He wants to mend you from your pains and show you His purpose and mission for your life. Though we may not have all the answers, know that Jesus can mend all wounds. It is not what we face, but how we go through it which matters. We may not be able to see the good in our bad situations. Nevertheless, know all things will work in your favor if you trust in Him and put Him first in your life. The Verse says, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Say this with me: “It happened for His purpose.” When fear and depression arise, know Jesus is on your side (Psalm 56:9). I am sure we have all heard this saying regarding fear: Fear stands for false emotions appearing real. When we fear, we forget who is in charge. When fear arises simply say, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). I assure you after saying this Verse you will not lose your mind over any situation. You will become more powerful instead of powerless. Your thoughts will be strong and sound. Jesus will not let you down. People will question how on earth you were able to hold it together. When they ask, you can tell them it is all because of Jesus! The Lord never meant for our trials to cause a wedge between us and Him. Our circumstances should not sever our relationship with Him. The Lord does not want to hurt us or cause us to drift away. He wants to mend us from the storms we have faced and place us back into the journey more equipped and faithful than before. He is the God of a second chance! Let the healing waters guide you back into His arms. No matter what state you are in--torn, battered, or bruised--Jesus can mend you and put joy back in your journey. Be encouraged in knowing those “who sow in tears will reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5, NKJV). Therefore, release, restore, and rejoice!