Although the events of the last few days have been challenging to this advice, I remember the words of Anne Frank: “In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart.” (Goodrich and Hackett, Diary of Anne Frank). I believe God can give us joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and we are indeed in difficult circumstances. However, put in perspective of hundreds of years of suffering in other times, like the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages, the ancient Babylonian Captivity, life in many other contemporary societies, and years of world wars, we are by no means in horrid conditions. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, and I plan to see this today, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Many during this pandemic and civil chaos and financial need are feeling depressed, and with good cause, unless we remember that God is sovereign, we can trust in His plan, and find joy, perhaps not happiness, but a deep-seated joy in knowing that He is our constant source of strength. Remember Bing Crosby’s singing in Holiday Inn? “When I am worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep, counting my blessings.” Be an encouragement today to others and look for Godincidences. It’s my plan for the day.
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