The temptation of despair...

"The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."
~ Psalm 103:6

One thing that I try to remind people is not to focus on despair.  Instead, try to embrace our awareness that God is still present in the midst of the chaos!  In God's presence around us, we can still live peacefully in the world that seems to be overwhelmed by sorrow and conflict, while still experiencing joy.

It's not an "easy fix."  Avoiding the temptation to allow despair is something that we all struggle with.  Depression and grief can take us to places where we can lose sight of God's presence and the presence of those who care and love us.  

I can remember a period of my life where despair just seemed to be the daily dose of life.  People looked at me and wondered what was wrong, and I have to admit, I didn't even bother to look in the mirror for fear of what I might actually see.

For any of us, the temptation to allow despair seems to be much easier than going through what we are experiencing.  I have a dear friend who has created a "Chaos Garden," on her property where she places plants that have been marked down for quick sale, and where she places cuttings and starts given to her by friends.  The result is that the "Chaos Garden," actually is a place of beauty and surprises.

God has made each of us the promise that God will remain with us at all times.

God is the God of the living, overcoming so many things, including the things that cause chaos, pain, and sorrow, including death.  
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May the joy of the Lord be your strength!  Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2019