This time of year brings joy, peace, love, but it can also bring sadness, grief, despondency, emptiness, and even the dark side of depression.
Loved ones who have been lost or suddenly taken away from us due to unusual circumstances or even suicide. You are confronted with the inevitable news about an accident or health condition, and at times unwise choices are made by a friend or family member.
I despise watching the news or listening to the media, because it can be so dark or depressing, yet it is a necessary evil in our society.
The news portrays people fed up, angry protesters, and politics that have lost respect for one another and perhaps forgot the purpose why they are public servants.
A bright light a couple of was the respect given to our 41st president George H.W. Bush. To see five U.S. Presidents put aside their differences for the day and show respect. As the late Senator Bob Dole struggled to stand and salute his colleague one more time out of honor and respect.
I’m reminded of dark times in the Scriptures and how the prophets offered hope in the midst of darkness.
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”Isaiah 9:2 NLT
The hope to see a great light in the midst of trying times.The hope offered was God as light through his son Jesus Christ. Approximately 700 years later this prophecy came to pass!
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Thank God that He gives us hope today and it was not dragged out for 700 years! Jesus himself said, I am the light of the world” John 8:12.
You may have fears and doubts about God and what you or a loved one is facing, but let me assure you that God is listening to you in your times of darkness and despair. Maybe you have given up on him, yet the Lord has not given up on you; no matter what you face, how you feel, or how desperate you want to perhaps end it all.
The Lord is our hope in the midst of deepest pain and darkness my friend. Release it to God today and allow hope to rise above the ashes.
Friend, may this day fill you with such hope, love, and light.
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Published by Andy
Greetings! My name is Andy Provitola and I live in New England on the south shore between Boston and the beautiful Cape Cod region.
The purpose of my blogging and writing is to encourage you in your journey here on planet earth. Life is full of pressing issues and problems and my desire is to discover a place for peace, hope, healing, and contentment. I am a follower of Jesus Christ – God’s one and only Son of God and discovered these truths along my own personal journey.
Having discovered a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ does not mean I have to be religious to attain the rewards of heaven. The fact is God provides grace for us and accepts us as we are in His image. In other words, we cannot attain heaven or life eternal on our own, but by God’s loving grace and no merit of our own.
My goal is to continue to find a balance of life from a spiritual and practical perspective with a purpose to please and glorify God in all that I do because of His ‘Gift of Grace’.
God is not transcendent and so far away that he is out of reach with humanity. God desires that His presence lives within us and not just in the galaxies and the universe. Experiencing the unconditional love of God has been so rewarding and while discovering the truth and purpose for my life. Moving forward in this life is not a sprint, but a marathon when it comes to this race here on earth.
I am blogging because I find it is a good way to connect in a much more effective and efficient way when it comes to communicating and interacting with with people that I do not know. Blogging and writing challenges me and also stretches me specifically in my thoughts, my mind, my emotions, and my spiritual life to live a vertical relation with God and a horizontal relationship with others.
There will be a variety of topics and subjects to address including youth, young adults, family, singles, seniors, relationships, etc. Some of the topics will include God’s creation and power, depression, loneliness, suicide, hope, healing, setbacks, financial matters, business, stress, anxiety, care, encouragement, and so much more
I would like to connect with all walks of life, ethnicity, culturally, other religions, socio-economics, and more
I am currently writing a book and several memoirs about my own life and journey . The journey begins at a young age growing up in Malden, Massachusetts, specifically Maplewood Square to where I am today. I became paralyzed from the waist down as a senior in high school and I share how my life changed for the better!
“But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus. To testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious undeserved] grace [which makes us free of guilt of sin and grants us eternal life]. Acts 20:24 Amplified Version
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