Seeing the Good Through the Bad

Psalm 40


Despite the bad we see in the news everyday, good still happens.
Despite the sadness and despair, joy and hope still lift.
Despite the hate and anger, love and kindness still triumph. 

It's really hard sometimes, to see the good through the bad, to feel the JOY through the pain, to have the love through the hate.

But it's possible, really possible.

In fact, it's preferable.
It's profitable.


And that idea is profound.


In Psalm 40, David begins with an explanation of God's love.
~ He heard David's cry. (vs.1)
~ He lifted David out of the pit. (vs.2)
~ He steadied David. (vs.2)
~ He gave a new song ~ a song of praise. (vs.3)
(NLT)

God revived a broken man.

And then ...

David tells of how others will see what God has done in his life, and will in turn put their trust in the Lord. (vs.3)

The proclamation?

"Oh, the JOYs of those who trust in the Lord ... " (vs.4)
JOY for trusting.

And further ...

"I take JOY in doing Your will, my God ..." (vs.8)
JOY for faithfulness.

Then ...

"But may all who search for You be filled with JOY and gladness." (vs.16)
JOY for seeking.

In the bumps and bruises that life sometimes delivers, the JOY still stands.
In the pain from the past, the pain from sickness, the pain from fear and worry, the pain from anger, hate and hurt, JOY still stands.
Sometimes we have to chase it down.
Sometimes we have to let it catch us.
Sometimes we just have to be reminded ...

"Be still and know that I AM God." (Psalm 46:10, NLT)

When we get to that breaking point and realize that we can't handle it on our own, we can humble ourselves before the Sovereign God, the source of all love, peace, hope and JOY.

Take hope in the Possible.
The Preferable.
The Profitable.
The Profound.

He's got this.

Lesson in the journey ~ Trusting The Great I AM brings JOY.