Feeling Low?

“Comfort, comfort My people,’ says your God. ‘Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.’ Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!’” (Isaiah 40:1-5 NLT)

King Hezikiah had served Israel admirably and done many good things for his people, but in the end he made a very foolish decision that, while it didn’t have ill-effect on him personally, cost his children and the children of Israel dearly.

There’s a lesson here for parents that the Lord has shown me in my own life. Though I have sought throughout my life to make good and right decisions, the ones that haunt me are the bad ones that have so dramatically affected my children spiritually. While my kids are good and doing well on many levels, they’re not walking with Jesus, which breaks my heart.

Bad decisions have consequences, some of which may not seem to be hurting us but have the potential to decimate those in our spheres of influence, especially our children and grandchildren. That’s what brings me down.

When I think about the damage I’ve done and the people I’ve hurt over the years, it causes me to struggle. Because the Lord has laid this on my heart to share, my sense is, I’m not alone. I know the Lord has forgiven me and I believe my children have forgiven me, but the pain it still causes is something with which I wrestle.

It’s in this context that Corrie Ten Boom’s words lifted my heart and blessed my spirit when she wrote: “We are never so low that He is not beneath us.” Regardless of the tormenting thoughts that caused or are causing you to feel low, despondent, saddened by past or present behavior, relationships, or any other cause, know the Lord is with you.

We are undergirded by the strong arms of our Savior in every circumstance that causes us grief. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4: “God blesses those who mourn, for they WILL BE COMFORTED.” No “might’s” or “maybe’s,” only the assurance that our loving Heavenly Father WILL comfort and sustain us.

But another thought arises as I consider the Lord’s comforting presence. He never comforts us in order that we might stay the same. Comfort is for strength to return to the battle. Every day I seek to live the life of a Jesus Follower, not only in my circle of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, but for the glory of God and the benefit of my kids.

It’s my heart’s desire, as my children age and make their own mistakes, that they may accept my failures in the context of my immaturity, not only as a believer, but as a father. I’ve offered my apologies and asked for and received their forgiveness, but to date they’re still not walking with the Lord.

Regardless of what is breaking your heart, don’t lose faith. Know the Lord is still on His throne and His Word promises us that He “…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 NLT) He’s still working. We must trust Him!

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊