The Point of Pain

The darkness that surrounds grief or depression can be so deep that it seems no light will ever penetrate it, and that no end is in sight.

Depression is not something that has only just been recognised, it existed in the times when the bible was written. Job was one of those who suffered deep depression and pain:

Job 3:20-23 (NIV)
"Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?."

There was a point to Job's suffering, he learned various lessons during his depression which he couldn't have learned any other way. He learned lessons which are still relevant to each of us today:

• We have an intercessor in heaven who counts our tears and can lift us out of depression
• We have a living Redeemer who will stand on earth at last
• God is the the power behind all nature and the one who cares for all He has made

Job came out of his dark time with a new insight:
My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5 (NIV)

When we're in our darkest times, that's often when we see God in a way we would never have seen when life is running smoothly for us. What we find out about God during our darkest times is what can make those painful and depressing times worthwhile - maybe not right at that time, but certainly later when we truly appreciate what God has done for us.

God's presence is as important to us as God's protection, and God's presence is all we need.

Checkout Jeremy Camp's website: http://www.jeremycamp.com/

Amazing Grace

When you hear people talking about God's grace, do you know what they mean?

Well here's what the dictionary says:
1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4.
a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
b. Mercy; clemency.
5. A favour rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.
7.
a. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
b. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
c. An excellence or power granted by God.
8. A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.

I think the definitions under number 7 best describe God's grace. i.e. God loves and protects every single one of us, and does so without us having to ask him for anything in the first place.

Isn't that amazing? Who else would love and protect you unquestioningly, without expecting or wanting anything in return?

God's grace is enough for all of us, as with God's love and protection, how can we possibly go wrong!


One of the most well known hymns is probably Amazing Grace - The song below by Chris Tomlin is a fantastic new arrangement of this well known hymn - I hope you enjoy it.

God's grace is amazing!

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

Visit Chris Tomlin's website: http://www.christomlin.com/