When Life Slaps You Around

Sometimes life slaps you around and sends you reeling.

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and hope it was all a bad dream — but it wasn’t.

Sometimes someone speaks terrible words that clutch your heart and and squeeze till you think it will burst.

Sometimes you weep a well of tears. And when you hope the well is dry it starts all over again.

Sometimes the grief rises up and threatens to overwhelm. It roils and boils inside,  twisting and tightening.

Sometimes the pain just pours out. From the depths of your soul the torrent threatens to tear you apart.

Sometimes you wonder where you went wrong… or where someone else went wrong.

Sometimes you agonize over what God is doing … or if He’s doing anything at all.

Sometimes your world comes crashing down and in the midst of the rubble you are left with the “whys?” and “what ifs?”

Sometimes you lie awake at night, tossing and turning, trying to figure out how on earth this could have happened.

Sometimes your most cherished values are crushed and cast aside by another.

Sometimes the very person you’ve poured your life into over the years decides they’ve had enough and they walk away.

Sometimes you fall and hit rock bottom.

It’s at times like these that I always find comfort in one thing. It’s at times like these that I always find strength in one person. It’s at times like these that I always find hope and peace in one place.

It’s at times like these that I always find encouragement to carry on by doing one thing: I remind myself of the promises of my God, who is never taken by surprise, and who is always faithful.

“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart – I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” (Philippians 1:6)

“My word that goes out from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1,3)

Always, at the end of the day, you and I have a choice to make. I am so thankful that with my God, even when life slaps me around, I can choose to become better and not bitter. I pray the same for you.