This life seems to be a series of ups and downs, highs and lows. Sometimes, it feels that the lows persist forever and the highs come rarely and depart far too soon. It is easy to become discouraged or weary in the journey.

When we find ourselves in a particularly good moment and are caught by surprise when another trial, hardship, or downer comes, sometimes, we are tempted to think, “Just when I though the darkness was lifting….”

If that is you…may I remind you that we have MORE reason for HOPE than we do for DESPAIR.

Look UP and remember that He is there and His love never fails.

Just when I thought all was well

Just when I thought things were looking up

Just when I thought the darkness of discouragement had passed

Thunder rolls

Lighting cracks

And a sudden storm descends

The bright rays of hope and joy

Sucked into the abyss of discouragement once more

Weariness wanders back in

Taking up residence as if he had never departed

With that smug grin of victory

Anger flares in my heart

NO! Is the bellowing cry that reverberates

Not again!

Now now!

The adversary and his devices have no place here!

My heart looks up and sees a God who reigns

My mind conjures an image

Of hands nailed

Of feet nailed

Of a thorn pierced brow

And divine, eternal love floods my soul

What reason for despair do I have?

For what do have I have to feel weary?

The strength of divinity fights for me!

The presence of divinity resides WITHIN me!

So, NO, I don’t think I will surrender or back down!

In His strength and might

In His goodness and grace

In his love and mercy

In the joy of the Lord

I tell Satan, the accused and adversary

Take a hike to Hell!