FEEL AGAIN

Day 9

Monday, January 10 

Read:

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10

Devote:

You might be hunkered down in a cold, dark cave of depression right now. Your life has lost purpose, meaning, and joy. You go through the motions but feel numb, detached, watching yourself from a distance. The lonely ache of weary, soul-crushing pain gnaws at your bones. Food has no taste. You rarely sleep. You don’t know how you got here or what to do to reclaim your life. No matter where you are, I invite you to believe that this is the beginning of something new—a true breakthrough. Just as Elijah did, you can discover fresh hope, new life, deep peace, abiding joy, and can’t-wait-to-face-the-day purpose. Such possibilities may feel out of reach right now, but taking that first step out of your cave will lead you to discover these key truths: (1) God knows what you’re going through, and he loves you. He wants to give you freedom, blessings, influence, anointing, and protection. (2) God knows your thoughts, and he promises to renew your mind as you learn how to take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (3) God knows your weaknesses, and he promises to give you strength right in the midst of them. Christ in you is stronger than the depression, anxiety, and fear in you. (4) God knows your gifts, and he has a unique assignment for you. You can wake up with purpose, direction, and meaning every day of your life. The world will be different and better because you showed others Jesus by who you are, what you do, and what you say. Yes, you may be in a cave right now. So was I. So was Elijah. So were countless others. But God will meet you there. His light shines through the darkness, and freedom is closer than you think.

Journal:

Jot down a few phrases that explain how God has met you in your caves.

Reflect:

How have the caves you’ve experienced prepared you to pull someone out of theirs?

Pray:

Father, thank you for reminding me that you are always with me. Please guide me as I seek the peace and joy that I can only find in you. Amen.

Author:

Out Of The Cave by Chris Hodges