Psalm 126:1-3 “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.”
We live in a fallen world and there is much suffering surrounding us. It isn’t just out there at malls, and supermarkets, and schools, with stabbings, shootings and muggings which have been all over the news of late. We don’t have to go very far at all to find those suffering – perhaps it is even in your own home or your own heart. I don’t negate any of that with what I am about to say.
The LORD has done great things for us.
Even in the midst of a fallen world the LORD remains good. No thing or no one can dislodge the very essence of the goodness of God. He continues to delight to give us good things. Even in the darkest times of human history, God was still present and still good.
Suffering, by its very nature, tends to cause us to have tunnel vision, more focused on our pain and circumstances than anything beyond that. Although it may be the nature of suffering, it is not a requirement of suffering.
One of the most powerful weapons against discouragement and despair is to consider, meditate, and dwell upon the goodness of God. EVERYONE has something to be thankful for, EVERYONE. There are restorative properties in a thankful heart.
Perhaps today or a day very soon, your mouth will be filled with laughter and your tongue with shouts of joy, when those around you will say “The Lord has done great things for her.” Remember the Lord HAS done great things for you, be glad.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America’s Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
It truly is so easy to become discouraged and blame God at life’s ugliness. With the passing of my husband of almost 30 years, I thought how could I ever see goodness and grace and mercy from God come out of such an ugly life-changing situation. Couldn’t He have prevented the situation from even happening? God is sovereign and His ways are truly not my ways and yes, I did and do see in an undeniable way, His goodness, grace and mercy. My life perspective is so different because He has shown me that I can rest on Him! He carried me when I am completely spent and rejoices with me when there is a good and even great day! He has shown me, I may not know what tomorrow holds but I can trust the One who holds it, Him! For that, I am grateful. My life has become sculpted with care into more of an image of Him, by His careful and loving touch!
When a new storm arises (which they always seem to do), it becomes easier to trust my Loving Father each time.
I can’t imagine going through the storms alone!
Victory Call 
It truly is so easy to become discouraged and blame God at life’s ugliness. With the passing of my husband of almost 30 years, I thought how could I ever see goodness and grace and mercy from God come out of such an ugly life-changing situation. Couldn’t He have prevented the situation from even happening? God is sovereign and His ways are truly not my ways and yes, I did and do see in an undeniable way, His goodness, grace and mercy. My life perspective is so different because He has shown me that I can rest on Him! He carried me when I am completely spent and rejoices with me when there is a good and even great day! He has shown me, I may not know what tomorrow holds but I can trust the One who holds it, Him! For that, I am grateful. My life has become sculpted with care into more of an image of Him, by His careful and loving touch!
When a new storm arises (which they always seem to do), it becomes easier to trust my Loving Father each time.
I can’t imagine going through the storms alone!