The way a day turns out is often different than the way it feels facing it.
And that’s a good thing!
“Instead of worrying, pray… It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” — Philippians 4:6-7 (Message)
– fritz
Posted in Anger, Choice, Christ, Fear, Feelings | Tagged Phil 04 | Leave a Comment »
I think there are three kinds of tears:
I’m not convinced the third can be experienced without the first two, but I am convinced if we seek Him with the first we’ll find the others soon after.
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5b
Posted in Anguish, Christ, tears | Tagged joy cometh in the morning, Psalm 30, tears of gratitude, tears of joy, tears of sorrow | Leave a Comment »
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me … To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 / Luke 4:81)
When they are put into the hands of Jesus, God replaces our ashes (burnt up dreams and missed opportunities), mourning (sadness), and spirit of heaviness (depression) with a beauty that’s enticing, a joyfulness that splashes onto everything, and an attitude of praise covering our struggles.
The phrase, “to appoint”, here literally means “to call” and the term, “Zion”, refers specifically to God’s people. The meaning is clear: followers of Christ going through sadness, grief, and depression are the specific candidates for renewal.
Expect it
Posted in Christ, Expectations, Faith, Joy | Tagged attitude of praise, garment of praise, grief and depression, Isaiah 61, Luke 4 | Leave a Comment »
