I’ve experienced times when hope was gone. Times when I feared the future, lost my faith, questioned God, and struggled over which way to go or what to do. I needed direction, but none came.
I was raised in the Catholic Church but hadn’t been to church for years. I decided to give Mass another try. Little did I know my life would be forever changed that Sunday morning.
God had positioned a couple two rows ahead of me. Everyone else at Mass had their heads down and silently prayed. Not this couple. They radiated joy. So much so that I approached them after the service and asked them what was so funny. The woman loudly said, “Praise the Lord.”
I wanted to run, thinking I had hit on some weirdos. But she turned out to be so kind, and she answered all my questions. She went on and on about Jesus and how much He loves us … how there was a new life waiting. Jesus waited for us to ask Him to come into our life.
I still left there with many unanswered questions, but I knew in my heart I didn’t have what she had: peace and joy.
Does all this work? Yes. I was alone and in deep distress, as was the psalmist. But the Lord showered me with His mercy as soon as I turned to Him.
Sometimes, we’re lonely, afraid, and confused and can’t see that the best is just around the corner. Our circumstances are dark. We want to give up. God wants us to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
No matter what your circumstances are, keep moving. God is with you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Judy Linck is a registered nurse who has fifteen years in the psychiatric field. For many years, she has volunteered in her church’s counseling ministry, offering hope to those who struggled with depression, anger, grief, and other personal struggles. She writes what she hears the Lord speak to her heart. At the present time, she is writing a book filled with other words the Lord has spoken to her. Her book will be titled, My Jesus, My Child. She can be emailed at myjesusmychild@gmail.com.