Day 3

"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?  How long will my enemy have the upper hand?"  Psalm 13:2

Have you ever felt like David in this passage of Scripture?

Today was that day for me--one of those drop my sword and cry for just a while days.  I missed my mother who went home to be with Jesus almost three years ago.  I missed my daughter who went back to college.  Work wasn't great, either, and I just felt fat, insecure and defeated today.

Have you ever felt like that?

The day didn't end there.  I did run/walk around the block twice when I got home from work and did the usual leg lifts and crunches.  Surprisingly, it's starting to feel really good to exercise.

But, that wasn't the best part of the day.  The best part was spending time in the laundry room.  It's my war room.  It is in this place, my wilderness retreat, that I pour my heart and my tears out to God.  He meets me there each time I go.  And, though my circumstances don't often change, He changes me there.  He allows those stubborn sin stains to soak in tears, and softens my heart.  He irons out the wrinkly parts.  Then, He puts me in the dryer to wipe away all the tears, bringing warmth, love, comfort and peace when I'm struggling.  

I can relate to David throughout the Psalms, and am grateful that God never leaves us where He finds us--He makes us better if we let Him.  And, that is truly something to be joyful about.

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."  Psalm 30:5