Numb.  Do you ever just feel numb?  Lately, there has been an abundance of bad news in our family.  It seems like every day there is one more bad surprise.  Some days I just can’t process it all.  I escape into numbness.  This is a normal response to pain.  We protect ourselves by walling off our emotions.  But this isn’t healthy and this isn’t how the Lord wants us to handle our pain.  He shows us a better way.  He is willing to heal our emotions.

I’m happy that God gives us peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.  Isaiah 26:3-4

Yesterday was hard for Husband and me as parents of an ill adult child.  After the end of our family’s online chat, I went to the kitchen to fix supper.  But the tears flowed and food wasn’t sounding good at all.  I leaned on the counter and just pleaded with the Lord to be my Rock in this difficult time.  This verse was an anchor for my churning emotions.  Indeed, in the darkest times, the Lord God is our eternal Rock and he gives peace!

I’m happy that God gives us Strength.
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
 I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.”  Habakkuk 3:17-19

How can we rejoice and be joyful in the face of loss?!  We definitely can’t deny that bad things are happening.  Certainly, we can’t be happy that things are hard?  No, we’re happy because we have a God who is saving us and who is giving us strength.  He keeps us from slipping into dark places and enables us to walk on a higher plane.  This isn’t mind over matter, humanistic optimism, or mental gymnastics.  This is divine power flowing into us.  The Sovereign Lord is our strength even when each day brings more bad news.

I’m happy that God gives us the tools to cope.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid or fearful, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7
God’s Spirit gives me power to trust him, even when the phone call breaks my heart.  God gives us power to lift our eyes to our Savior.  Power to keep going on.  God’s Spirit gives us love for our family, love for those who are hurting, even love for those who are hurting us.  God’s Spirit also gives us self-discipline when it’s easier to give in to negative feelings and sink into despair. Self-discipline to push forward, to accomplish, to reach out.

I’m happy that God can turn bad things into good.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.“  Genesis 50:20
“And we know that God 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
We walk by faith, not sight.  In the moment, it’s hard to see how life-threatening illness, or even death, or job loss, or loneliness could be turned for good.  But God is able!  At the very least, he’s making us into better versions of ourselves.

I’m happy to show my trust by obeying.

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws;
our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.
In the night I search for you;
in the morning I earnestly seek you.”  Isaiah 26:8-9
  “If you love me, obey my commandments. This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”  John 14:15, 15:12
About 6 years ago I ran across a mantra that comes to mind often during the day.  “What is the next right thing?”  Usually, it’s a small obedience prompted by right priorities.  For instance, I’m so thankful for a few good habits that are serving me well during this time of isolation.  I have a routine that helps me do the next right thing.
 When Husband and I wake up, we talk and pray together at our leisure which is one of the best perks of his retirement.   We eat a simple breakfast together and he reads me a portion of Scripture out loud.  Then we discuss it.  Seems I always have questions and I’m so blessed to have a soul mate who has a lot of answers.  
Following basic chores to keep the household orderly, I sit down at my computer because I mostly work from home.  The first thing I do is to take care of my people.  I answer emails, text, or call the humans I have responsibility for before I do tasks. People before things is my guide.  Finally, I get down to work.  If someone calls or texts, I stop working and answer.  Giving my time and attention is a good way to show genuine love to my family, friends, and clients.  Relationships trump everything else.  Investing in relationships has eternal dividends.

I’m happy that Jesus is in the boat with us when storms come.

“soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.  Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  Mark 4:37-40
Why do we often question God as soon as things go south?  “Don’t you care?” we ask.  And he answers, “Why are you afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”  He has taken care of us in the past and shown us his power many times, yet we let our circumstances scare us.  

Joy, peace, love, power, faith, self-discipline.  Wow!  What beautiful gifts our God gives us!