Journeying to Grace

Do you ever have one of those weeks or months or more when it feels like it’s just one thing after another? One challenge or obstacle is resolved then another surfaces. Maybe even several at once. It doesn’t seem fair, and it’s easy to fall into doubt when that’s all you see and feel surrounded by. When that happens to me, I feel knocked down, and it can be hard to get back up. I’m tempted to throw my hands up in surrender physically and spiritually. Sometimes, as unproductive as it is, I’ll even bargain with myself: This is difficult, but other people have bigger challenges than I do, so I shouldn’t be upset. I’m not going to ask ‘what’s next’ because something else will happen. Why does it feel like this only happens to me?

When I find myself in moments like this, I say out loud, “I know you’re there, Lord, but I don’t feel you.” Then when my tears stop for the moment, I realize I have a choice. I can remain stuck in the desolation of being knocked down, or I can seek consolation, the consolation of Christ, and get back up. One of these choices is of God, and one is not. Surrendering to the despair of desolation may seem ‘easier’ at the time. By contrast, there are times it takes a lot of spiritual strength to find the will to move forward. But as people of faith, that’s what we are called (and equipped) to do. That’s what we are meant for. When we choose the path of consolation, we also choose hope because our God is a God of hope and grace.

When I reach for hope, or at least look in its direction, I find strength and truth in these:

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jer 29:11)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Is 40:31)

Let us remember the comfort that awaits us when we seek consolation in Christ. In goodness and truth, may we also be consolation for one another, lifting each other back up in hope.