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Listen while you read: "Wonderful Grace Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Sometimes, I have a hard time writing. I think that I have to be optimistic and clever — or at least try — and I want to send the positive message of Christ and His love. So, there are days when I feel that I cannot write because my feelings are far from optimistic, my heart is heavy, and there is no dancing in my soul. At least, that is what I thought, until my daughter shared with me about her favourite singer. Like me, this Christian vocalist has chronic depression. My daughter explained that she can feel the singer's pain in her songs, but even better, she hears the hope in the Lord that she also possesses and relays through her music.
I should know this, since the Bible is a collage of people who are, at times, downtrodden, discouraged, defeated, and depressed. There are those who suffer not only physical pain but mental pain as well. If they would all end up in the office of some unlucky therapist, you would find a very colourful waiting room. This cast of characters would include, of course, Jeremiah, who would be there using up all of the tissues with his weeping. I know that Job would be there trying to explain why he curses the day that he was born. For sure, Paul would have to explain the problems that he has with that pesky thorn in his flesh.
King David would also be there, telling about his pain, his hurt, his regrets, his persistent enemies, and the fear that is at times his constant companion. Yet, the psalmist proclaims, "Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 43:5 NCV)
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, writes, "God, you are my comfort when I am very sad and when I am afraid." (Jeremiah 8:18 NCV) Job lets his crazy friends know that no matter what, "Even if God kills me, I have hope in him." (Job 13:15a NCV) Paul writes, "Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times." (Romans 12:12 NCV)
So, if you are afflicted in any way, downcast, afraid, or like me, depressed, we sit in good company with God's faithful, colourful cast of characters. Their words have brought hope to millions down through the ages, not with their perfect lives in a perfect world, but with the same problems that you and I share. We, too, can have the same hope that prevails all through Scripture. Go ahead! Don't be afraid to tell others of your afflictions. You fit into this colourful group! Weep if you need to, but always proclaim the hope that we have in Jesus Christ!
Prayer: Lord, thank You that amidst our down times, we can still find abundant peace, hope, and joy in You, our dear blessed Redeemer. Amen.
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Saturday, September 7, 2024 – In Angola — In June, Sahel Academy had its closing assemblies to celebrate the year and say our farewells. Pray as we said goodbye well even though it was hard: for those who are leaving to look ahead with excitement and those staying to have a renewed sense of purpose amid a changing community. Pray for the graduates to remember their calling and to take their faith back to their families
terminal illness: "Update September 5, 2024: Gisele had the biopsy done yesterday but will not get the results for..." 
Amen Jeanie.
I’m there with you, Jeanie.
Lovely. So encouraging. Bless you.
When you are sad – Remember your blessings.
Thank you for your message today. It was really a great message to think about.
A very profound and troubling decay of our current culture Jeanie. Bless you for stating the true predicament of humanity.
Thank you, Jeanie, for encouraging us to tell about our problems, not just our victories. And please don’t stop writing! You have an incredible gift for declaring God’s wisdom.
Good morning, Jeanie,
Had you not said so, I would never have known from your writings that you are afflicted with clinical depression. Thank you for your message today.
Thank you, Jeannie, for sharing this encouraging and uplifting devotional with us today. Imagine how many lives have been touched through your brave sharing of your struggle with depression! Blessings.
Jeanie, Thank you for writing this good reminder. God’s presence in the lives of those who lament is recorded in His word for us. It is being human to lament and to cry out to God. God always hears and answers in His time and way.
Wow! Jeanie, I could so relate to your devotion today! When I started to read it, it was like I could be writing it. Thanks for the reminder that we can find peace, joy, and hope in Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. Amen to that. God bless you and please keep writing.
Good morning, Jeanie.
Thank you for your real and honest devotional today. I thank our Saviour, healer, and our friend for His presence in our lives today and everyday.
Peace!
Thank you, Jeanie, for your very positive and encouraging devotional today. We need be so thankful that no matter what situation we face in life, our loving Lord is there to care for us. He is most deserving of our reverence and praise. Blessings for these writings you prepare and our Lord is surely there to help you at all times.
This devotional was truly inspiring, and I thank you for that and May God continue to bless you with more inspiring words to lift up people like me who do feel sadness and pain at times. I know God hears our prayers and He will never leave us or forsake us but only help us get stronger.
Have a truly wonderful and blessed day.
Dear Jeanie,
GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS! I am a senior who has been dealing with some setbacks this week, and your “Daily” was exactly what I needed to read to remember to Whom I need to put my trust in.
Thank you for writing and posting this. I hope that I might see you on the “Daily” page again, soon.
(Ontario, Canada)
What an awesome message Jeannie. My sister is like you, and I am quite the opposite – it has been a lifetime of learning to love in spite of these opposite realities, and to learn how to understand each other. I think my sister understood much more than I did. Now in our seventies and eighties, we have come out into the wonderful sunshine of understanding and acceptance and forgiveness. What an amazing journey it has been – finishing with the fruition of that HOPE you are so familiar with. Bless you for sharing.
Good morning, Jeanie,
God works in mysterious ways and inspiring you to write this devotional is one of them. Many of us feel like you on some days and I am positive this devotional will bring smiles to many faces. Your examples from the Bible are there for us each and every day and having them spelled out in such a special way reinforces how the Bible encourages us to see God in our lives. God never promised us “a rose garden” but He has promised to walk with us and comfort us and love us. Thanks for sharing from your heart and experience to encourage others. Blessings.
Hi Jeanie….I always enjoy your devotions, and find them educational, inspirational, and often with a chuckle. Thank you!
Today’s devotion is also relative to our times, and to me personally, as I, too, often find myself feeling blue and inferior. Like you, I feel that I must stay “up”, ever joyful, and optimistic, as I continue to be a leader of committees and organizations. But you and I are human! We are not perfect, and I thank you for pointing out that we are also members of the cast of colourful characters of God’s faithful. Why should I ever feel downtrodden?!
Thanks for your enlightening messages! Blessings!
(ON, Canada)
EXCELLENT down to earth spiritually encouraging devotional! Thanks Jeanie.
Amen dear Jeanie!
Thank you for your devotional.
Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.