Just Surviving

I think that we often talk about thriving as Christians.  After all, the peace does truly (in my experience) surpass understanding.  The joy is abounding.  The love does exceed knowledge and comprehension.  The forgiveness is real and appreciable to the soul. 

But, for some who are just trying to survive, the good news is equally good.  The good news is that God can keep the head above troubled water (Ps. 27:5,6), the feet from becoming mired down or slipping (Ps. 73:2) and the darkness from overtaking (Ps 23:4).  For the poor, depressed, broken and disheartened, Jesus Christ can help you survive.  

I have been around depressed people my whole life.  I would try to cheer them up with trite quips.  "Cheer up, it could be worse.  Just look to the light at the end of the tunnel.  There's always hope.  Remember the good things that God has done.  Don't think about the stuff that gets you down."  I look back aghast at the lack of good that such comments make.  So, with greater apprecation for those who have struggled to survive, I now offer- "Jesus can keep you from becoming overwhelmed and overtaken.  He can give you just enough to make it.  And, someday a greater hope and purpose will emerge.  Trust me.  If you don't trust me, trust him." 

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