More than two hundred years ago, Thomas Paine wrote a collection of articles that together comprised a book entitled “The Crisis.”  In one of those articles he made a statement that has endured over time. Paine wrote, “These are the days that try men’s souls.”  Those words are as true today as they were then.

We are living in a time when we are grappling with the psychological fallout of a recession—high unemployment, home foreclosures, the stress of meeting the same monthly financial obligations with less, loss of retirement nest eggs, and the list goes on.  We, and others around us, live with shattered dreams, broken hearts, spiritual disillusionment, and enormous struggle in ordinary existence. Our outcomes will depend on which report we choose to believe. Our natural eyes will give us a report that will cause us to stare and shudder.  Our spiritual eyes will give us a report that will move us to stand with surety that God will breathe new life into our dreams, mend our broken hearts, displace our disillusionment, and turn our struggles into victories.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a river bank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit”.  –Jeremiah 17:7-8

Yes, these are indeed days that are ripe for the trying of our souls.  These too are the days that are equally ripe for the testing of our spiritual metal.  I don’t know your specific trial or trials, but I do know that God is faithful and His compassionate nature will not to let us be tried beyond our ability and strength.  During these trying times, we should not lose heart or give voice to discouragement. Instead, we should lift our voices to the Lord with words of thanksgiving and praise that will usher us into His presence. Because, it is in His presence that we will find all the strength we need and encouragement for every circumstance.

Be encouraged,

angela