View Blog Entry

The dark storm came out of nowhere and culminated in an emotional vortex.

The gloom appeared like an unwanted visitor and poured around like a rainstorm over my spirit. Since the Covid pandemic, a cloud of darkness often hovered over me. I discovered a daily walk through my neighborhood provided a great way to circulate the endorphins and elevate my mood. I met neighbors I didn’t know, reminding me of the importance of relationships.

I long for a closer relationship with Jesus to brighten the twilight. Focusing on Jesus points my eyes upward toward joy and off myself, which leads to despair. I gain hope as I see in Scripture how God meets others in desperate times.

Job is the poster child for depression. When he was at his lowest point, he cried out to God and asked the tough questions. He challenged God to meet him in court and show His justice. Yet Job didn’t lose his faith. In the end, he saw God with a clearer vision. God met Job in the middle of his mess.

And then there was Elijah. Alone in the wilderness, he was overwhelmed and gave way to self-pity, asking God to take his life. God didn’t leave him there but provided the necessities to renew and restore him. Elijah was not shamed but told to put on his big-boy pants. A gentle whisper reminded him he was created and called for a purpose. Revitalized, Elijah ran to join others in the battle.

When darkness overcomes, God understands our pain and hears when we call. He is not indifferent to our suffering but meets us in the middle of our mess. God leads and provides. When we concentrate on Jesus, there is joy and light for the journey.

Let God empower and strengthen you as you travel with Him.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)