The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Life is Good - Except When It's Not


 

A one dollar thrift find yesterday - this little wooden sign that I've put beside my pot of fresh basil.  I like it.  It fits with the overall upbeat decor vibe I've got going on, not only in the kitchen, but also generally, in my purposeful engagement of life.

And while I remain convinced that elements of chosen joy and intentional gratitude do indeed set the stage for a positive mental and spiritual approach to each gifted day, I do know, and you all know that sometimes life actually isn't good.

Even without extending past my own relational orbits, there has been so much that has come to my awareness just in this last week that is shocking, harsh, painful, sometimes brutally sudden, sometimes hellishly ongoing, and all of it deeply disruptive.  

This is life -- not so good -- and it's happening to my friends.  

So to acknowledge the un-goodness of certain situations right now, I carefully and respectfully offer what I hope to be comforting inspiration from the Bible I know as being fearlessly honest about suffering.  I choose just three this texts morning, all from the Psalms.  I realize these are 'just words' in some ways, and none of them will change what's happening to you.  Still, I lay them gently down here, with a prayer that they just might be something of a little light in dark places you find yourselves right now.

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

"Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth you will bring me up.
You will increase my honour and comfort me once more."
Psalm 71:21

"My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life."
Psalm 119:50





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