Joyful in Depression

It has been a rough season for me personally.  With Christmas coming and going and very little under the tree this year, I was beginning to get a bit depressed.  Not at all usual for me.  With having to use up my remaining vacation time I have earned at work, I was able to take some time and find joy in the depression that wanted to surround me.  We were not able to "go" anywhere or "do" anything for my vacation due to financial restraints, but I have been able to find some time to "go" along in my faith walk and to allow Him to "do" many things in my heart of hearts.  From the trials of owning our own businesses to the ups and downs of my other job, a close relative facing prison time, a son moving home again after struggling to make it on his own, and a few other things that are to personal to mention here, it has been a rough time for sure. BUT, I know that through all of these trials, God is teaching us a lesson or two or three. 

The Lord has used James Chapter 1 to speak to me lately and I wanted to share this passage.  It is so encouraging to know that there is good even in the things that so often times seem bad to us.  God is at work in and through the trials of life.  How often do I disregard the fact that even in the trials of life....God is in the center of it all!  Hopefully, you will find strength toady in these words written so very long ago....a reminder that God is always near to those He loves and calls His own!

^{James 1: 2-12}

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

⁹ The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰ But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

¹² Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.