The seasons of life are filled with both good and bad. At times we ascend to the mountaintops and other times we go through valleys. We enjoy successes and endure failures. We experience victories and losses. In all these things nothing, absolutely nothing, can change the fact that God is good. God’s goodness is not based around how I might feel about my present circumstance. The scripture passage reminds us that “He hath made every thing beautiful in His time.” In God’s timing, even the bad things in life, He can turn around and use them for good in the way He intends. God comes to us in our darkest pain and brings us hope. In times of suffering and hardship, it’s hard to see the beauty in them. But in time, God’s purposes are fulfilled, and the true beauty of the experience was revealed. Consider the life of Joseph who was sold as a slave by his brothers, forced to do a servant’s work in Egypt, and thrown into prison because of a vicious lie. These times were filled with helplessness for Joseph, but he remained hopeful. God was at work, and the beauty of God’s work was revealed. Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20) God made Joseph’s experiences beautiful in His time. We also have the witness of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His enemies lied about him and brought false witnesses against him, yet he testified about salvation in Christ. For his testimony, they dragged him out and stoned him to death (Acts 7:58). What a terrible consequence for faith and faithfulness to God. But God made it beautiful in His time, and as the result, Saul of Tarsus was saved and became the great Apostle Paul. My friend are there times in life that seem helpless and hopeless? Be reminded and encouraged “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). In times where things fall apart and disappear before your eyes, know that God is working “to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isa 61:3). Dear friend, no matter how dark the situation, remember God has a plan, God has a purpose, and God will make everything beautiful in His time. Father thank You for Your love and the beauty of Your timing. Help me to always trust You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow. Luke 22:45

I pray that you were strengthen and encouraged as you gathered with the saints to worship at your local church on the Lord’s Day. May you walk faithfully in the strength of His word and give testimony of God’s faithfulness. I was encouraged to see among our gathering the faithfulness of some of the old saints who pressed beyond their issues of aging, personal illnesses, and failing health to come to the house of Lord. I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and encouraged by their strength of faith and desire to be in fellowship with God and His people. They come and sit quietly among the masses, only to beam with the glory of Lord to songs of praise and hearing the word of truth. Sorrow does not derail them, it is a pathway to prayer, hope, and strength. The scripture passage reminds us of the stress and weariness of sorrow. When Jesus “was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow.” They had just heard Him tell of His soon departure and His ensuing death. They were overwhelmed and exhausted with sorrow as it sapped and drained the energy to their souls. We are all vulnerable to sorrow and it is something that we all will encounter. It is part of living. And when it comes, sorrow is exhausting. But Jesus saw them sleeping and encouraged them not to be overcome with sorrow, but to “rise and pray” (Lk 22:46). Prayer pries open the doors of sorrow to allow God’s presence, God’s love, and God’s merciful comfort and care to flood upon our fainted soul. His presence protects us. His love strengthens us. And by His mercies, He provides to us “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). My friend, resist the temptation to lay down in your sorrow, but hear the Spirit of God say to your soul, “rise and pray.” It is through prayer and meditation in the word of God that our heavenly Father comforts us and gives us strength (Ps 119:28). Dear friend, seek the Lord through prayer and share your sorrows with Him. Pray to Him and see Him resurrect “the joy of the Lord” (Neh 8:10) out of your sorrow. Father thank You for Your eternal love and the renewed strength that is Yours through prayer. Help me not to fade and faint in my sorrows, but to “rise and pray.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His Name together.” Psalm 34:3