God Comforts the Downcast

Commentary

Jesus had just finished telling His disciples that they would suffer persecution and that He was going away, alluding to His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. He knew His words troubled their hearts, and He also knew the immense sorrow they would soon suffer for a season. But He assured them their sorrow would turn to joy - and indeed it did when they saw Him resurrected and when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon them.

In their difficulty and sorrow, God made their joy complete. Not only is our joy complete in Him, as believers, but He continues to turn our sorrows into joy as we cling to Him.

Consider this as you face difficulties in your own life; when the heaviness bears down on you and sorrow fills your heart, it can seem like there is no light to be seen, just a darkness surrounding you, burdens that are too much to carry. But in those times, Jesus is with you and is strengthening you. He will see you through and on that day you’ll rejoice and no longer dwell on that trouble.

Though today, you may weep with sorrow, that sorrow will soon turn to joy!

Commentary

We must navigate a broken and evil world, while battling our own corrupt flesh. But the follower of Jesus does not do it alone. Though you and I deal with our own sin nature as well as the sin nature of those around us, our God supports and strengthens us to be able to get through the situations that become so very difficult.

While the enemy does all he can to oppress us and break us down, Jesus gives us legs when our legs fall weak, arms when we cannot lift, and hope when there is none to be seen.

Don’t think for a minute, whatever struggles you may be facing, that you are alone in the battle. For our precious Lord Jesus is with you, to encourage and strengthen, to lift you up on His shoulders.

Commentary

When you are downcast and afflicted, it’s easy to become impatient, to devise ways to handle the situation on your own. But it’s vital to call on the Lord each and every day. To seek Him with persistence and patience, understanding that He will answer you. To cast all your cares upon Him, each and every time you need to. Even if that is every 5 minutes.

If you’re having a hard time today, get in a quiet place and pour your heart out to the Lord. Hand over to Him all that burdens you. You cannot bear it alone, but He can help you. Seek Him first and He will give you what you need to endure and overcome, just ask.

Commentary

We have God’s every assurance that He listens to His children. Though you may hear silence, perhaps He’s not ready to answer or you’ve not pushed aside the distractions and noise in your life to listen for His still, small voice speaking to you. But He is there and will help see you through.

Even while you wait for His action, He is working, whether you can see it or not. He shields you from spiritual things, which you rarely can see, and He provides for your every need, which you can see day in and day out.

We must always remember that God’s goodness is all around us, and He is actively working in each of our lives, every moment. For without His work, there would be nothing good. And it’s His goodness which gets us through every nanosecond of the day. Bringing hope where there is none and peace where battles rage.

Commentary

King David was no stranger to God’s great mercy and love. David found himself in many difficult times, yet the Lord was always with him. David isn’t loved by God any more than God loves you and me, so we must remember that as He poured out His peace, joy, strength, wisdom and hope upon David, God will also do so for you and me.

Jesus already pulled you from the sinking pit of eternal destruction when you were born-again. And when you’re in a pit of despair, He will reach out His hand to you to pull you up from that one too. Don’t flail, don’t try to climb out yourself, don’t succumb to lies of hopelessness from the enemy, but cling ever so tightly to Jesus and He will rescue you in His perfect timing.

I know in my own life the Lord has pulled me out of some very difficult pits, seeing me through to victory. I’m certain He has done the same for you too, and will continue to do so.

As we face sorrows in life, don’t let it bring you down to a place of constant despair, instead remind yourself of all that the Lord has done already and seek Him daily for the grace you need to make it through. Our God truly cares for us and His mercy runs deeper than we could ever require. In Him you will overcome!