Some days

Some days, I take my supplements, drink enough water and go for a walk. 

Some days, I don’t eat even one full meal because no food is appealing. 

Some days, I cook up casseroles and bake five dozen muffins and deliver them to friends who are knee deep in grief. 

Some days, I can’t form a coherent thought to decide what to make for dinner for my own family. 

Some days, I volunteer at the school and contribute to the ongoing work of a local nonprofit with incredible joy in my heart. 

Some days, I experience paralyzing fear of being in the company of other people. 

Some days, I experience immense gratitude and joy when I consider my husband, my kids, my home, my life. 

Some days, the thoughts in my head tell me that I have nobody to turn to, that no one loves me.  

Some days, I worship with my hands raised while driving in the car. 

Some days, I can’t get a word of the song out without crying. 

Some days, I praise God that I’m not who I once was and that He has brought incredible healing and freedom to my heart. 

Some days, I wonder if this is the way it’ll always be - depression, anxiety and fear. 

Some days, I dance on my grave, knowing with certainty that my debt has been paid and I will live with Christ forever. 

Some days, I find myself taking a step down into that same grave. 

Praise God that He doesn’t leave us or forsake us. (Deut. 31:8) 

Praise God that He is near to the brokenhearted and He hears their cries for help. (Psalm 34:17-18)

Praise God that He looks upon us every day with steadfast love, compassion, and mercy. (Ex. 34:6) 

Praise God that our value is not determined by what we do or accomplish, but by who we belong to. (Eph. 2:8-9)

Praise God that His steadfast love never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. (Lam. 3:22-23)

Praise God that He is faithful to fulfill His promises, even when I am not. (Philippians 1:6)

Praise God for the full of hope, full of dreams, serving my people well, dancing on my grave days - because it’s only because of His grace that such goodness abounds.

Praise God for the hard to get out of bed, everything feels overwhelming, tears are ready to fall, keenly aware of my own brokenness days - because He doesn’t leave me there and a day is coming where He will make all things right. 

Praise God that He is God and we are not. 

Praise God that we can trust Him. 

Praise God that even on our worst days, God is there. He sees us. He loves us. And He invites us to hand over the weight of it all so that He can carry it for us. There is no greater place to be than in the arms of a loving Father who is always present, always listening, always attune to our every need. He is Provider, Healer, Comforter, yesterday, today and forever.

1. Which of God's promises identified in this piece encourages you most right now?

2. Do you find your value in what you do for God or in the fact that you belong to Him? How so?

3. On our worst days, it helps to know that God is for us and with us. Do you have a friend or family member that can offer you tangible support on a hard day? If not, is there someone you could ask to be that support for you?

4. Do you believe that God wants you to trust Him, hand your cares over to Him, and be your strength? How is this reflected in how you endure hard things?