Blessed beyond the curse

From Tuesday 2/21/12

I’m pressed, but not crushed. Persecuted, not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed.

I’m blessed beyond the curse, for his promise will endure. And his joy is gonna be my strength.

This just came to my head.

After a day, and honestly said, this day reflects a lot of days lately, of feeling the burdens of life so heavy on my heart, feeling downcast and just really emotionally exhausted.

I’m pressed,

I’m persecuted, not by people, but by my thoughts, my hurts, my “Why??”s.

At times, I am also struck down, when all I want to do is cry out my heart to someone who understands and listens.

Still that doesn’t mean I’m crushed, because even though I’m pressed, I also get the strength to not break, to resist bowing and to stand under the pressure.

Even when my thoughts haunt me and there are two voices in my head battling each other, a secret discussion whether to give in to blaming, hatred, bitterness,… or to not let these things get the best of me, to fight, to turn my teary eyes to the sun- or rather the son.

Still then it doesn’t mean I’m destroyed. And I won’t be. This might be the end boss of the game but my boss is bigger. There is one who picks me up, who holds my hand.

I am blessed beyond the curse. Yes, being pressed, persecuted and struck down is a curse. But the blessing is still bigger.

Why?

Because his promises endure. A promise of him always being there until the end of the earth. A promise of him guiding us in paths with refreshing streams and sufficient food according to plans to prosper and not harm us. A promise of him being our strength and of blessing in weakness. A promise of comfort and peace.

His promises will endure- that’s what gets me through hard times. That’s what keeps me going. What encourages and challenges me to persevere and eventually overcome.

What gives me hope and slowly joy, too.

And the joy of the Lord is gonna be my strength.