God is good even when we don’t feel good. Maybe you feel stressed or anxious. Perhaps you’re wrestling with fear or depression. Today, I wish to encourage you to seek after the Lord, even in the midst of the stuggle and heartache. Hebrews 12:1-2 says,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Loving and merciful, Jesus bore the entire weight of sin on the cross. He slew death once and for all, the death that reults from yesterday’s sin, from today’s sin, and, still more, from tomorrow’s sin. Why? He foresaw the joy of glorifying His Father and saving His children. King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus became a servant to the very people that He created to serve Him.
God’s Love for Us:
“Jesus was only an inspirational figure in history,” some would say. “He couldn’t manage to save a wrench like me with all the janky stuff I’ve done,” others would protest. More people would go so far as to declare, “There is no God!”
The Bible speaks oppositely, saying, “Jesus was not just an inspirational figure in history. He was the one and only Son of God” (See 1 John 5:20). It also exclaims, “Jesus can save even a wrench like you! He is bigger than your sin” (See Romans 5:8). Not just the Bible, but every aspect of life crys, “There is a Creator. There is a God. His name is Jesus!” (See John 1).
I know it’s very strenuous to endure those arbuous times of depression and anxiety, but don’t give up! Paul encourages us in Hebrews to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” Jesus! He is all we need. We aren’t perfect, but He is. We can’t save ourselves, but He can. We wouldn’t choose to die a tragic death for sins we didn’t commit, but He would and did. We can remember Jesus’ love for us when we are experiencing a bad day.
God’s Goodness:
On the days we’re hurting inside, we can also remember God’s goodness and His sovereignty. Exodus 14:14 procliams, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Take some time, especially during those stressful days, to be still. God is good! “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor” (Psalm 91:3-5). Don’t forget that God is in control. “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth” (Proverbs 3:6). The troublesome days might not get better when you desire, but keep in mind that God plans “to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). You can trust in His goodness and provision even when you don’t feel good.
