Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
By Keri Eichberger
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)
Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t know how they do it,” when referring to someone who doesn’t seem to place their faith in Jesus through difficult times, while they’re going through their own strenuous struggle? I have. And I’ve said it. Recently, in fact. On multiple occasions.
I 100% don’t think I could have survived the rough patches of my life without the Lord to lean on. Like last month, staring out the window as the paramedic lifted my dad on a stretcher into an ambulance while my family was on vacation. The site left me paralyzed with vicious waves of knock-your-breath-out fear. Weakened by the moment, I collapsed in the chair in our rental house, and all I felt I had was the Lord's name to call on, to beg for peace, mercy, and a miracle. I’m pretty sure I would’ve stopped breathing without his almighty calming hand to hold. And then there were the many days that followed – the unknowns, ups and downs, sleepless nights of worry and what ifs after Dad’s sudden stroke – that then slowly became sprinkled with blessings as I began to sturdy my gaze on the Lord. Without Jesus, the chaos of my heart, head, and surroundings would’ve missed the strength supplied through those around me, along with the peaceful reminders that my cares were being cared for. And regardless of me.
Blessings. I would’ve missed so many blessings without the rock-solid foundation of our good God.
The Bible says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you.” Blessed. Yes, I’m learning more and more about what it means to have a blessed life. I’m learning it doesn’t necessarily mean we will live in a state of constant comfort, contentment, and happiness. Because I’m learning and understanding that quite the opposite is actually true. That this world is really hard, and it hurts. The more and more we live it, in fact.
Also true, and I’ve seen this time and again, that the compounding weights we weather have the capability to crush most people unless they have eyes that see Jesus. An awareness of blessings born with, and beaming through, the burdens, tragedies, and traumas.
Reflect with me for a minute. Consider some hard things you have endured or are enduring right now. Can you tie any blessings at all to those difficulties? Maybe an unpleasant, unexpected detour opened a door to a bit of goodness that would otherwise never have been. Possibly, a relationship was formed or strengthened through the trial. Perhaps stronger bonds of intimacy were created with the Lord as you clung closer to him? Or did you offer or receive acts of service that blessed someone or gave you the sweet gift of purpose? These blessings are truly the greatest gifts. They are gifts that the world could never dare to give. This is the blessed life with Jesus.
When visiting the hospital recently over my dad’s five-week stay, when trying to encourage him with the good shining through his hard season, I shared how I’ve grown closer to the Lord through this difficult storm. Which is priceless. And I’ll soon let him know, now that he’s just returned home, how I’ve grown in a closer relationship and connection to my mom too. Yet another precious and priceless gift from God.
Yes, God warned us of the trouble and trials to be in our time on earth, but he most certainly promised the good here, too. Aww, thank you, Lord.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Next time you wonder how a good God could allow such sorrowful moments and seasons, will you consider the beautiful blessings they also hold? Notice how those divine presents make you feel in the midst of the treacherous-at-times storms? If you look for him, look for them, you will find his continual blessings. Radiant touches of joy, heart-swelling doses of love, generous infusions of peace, and invaluable portions of purpose. God’s never-failing faithfulness and always available abundance. The blessed life. Which only comes from a life lived close to him.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/TomMerton
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