Dark. Disappointment. Discouragement.
Every year, the illnesses come. Inevitable with three young kids, such is this season of life. I was so thankful to see February go. But March can be just as brutal. Perhaps more so because of its tease of Spring, the hope that Winter is waning.
We’ve made it through this winter with fewer illnesses, but just as I thought we were free, there was one (hopefully) last grab before the warm fresh air is here to stay. Fever hit my two youngest sons.
Every family deals with this. What bothers me is the seclusion it forces. Cancelled events, missing church as it cycles through each child.
Despite my frustrations, I know it will come to an end. The hope of Spring, of new life and sweet breezes and sunshine, helps me hang on until then.
In the difficult, underneath all the circumstances, my God is there.
Promises of hope, never forsaking us, living with us through each moment, my God is there.
Not only is He there, but He rejoices over us. He seeks us out, to pull us from the darkness and hand us new life.
Healing. Restoration. Light.
I read this verse yesterday and I can’t stop reading it. It breathes life into my weary soul. God is not “looking down on us”. He is living among us.
Emmanuel- God with us
Jehovah Rapha- Healer, the Lord who heals you
El Roi- The God who sees
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Whatever you are going through; relentless winter germs or a life-shaking crisis, God is with us, living among us.
Jodi Arndt 