There are seasons in our life where we will be hurt and experience bitterness. It cannot be helped. We are being tested by the world. It is heartbreaking at times and we will feel beat down and discouraged, but what sets us apart from the rest of the world is a promise of hope and joy that the trials of this world are temporary. The Bible tells us “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Joy does not mean we will not experience the pain of loss, the melancholy of loneliness or the misery of death. Joy is not dependent on our emotions. Joy is knowing that there is something greater than the pain of this world. God has equipped us with truth to counter this world with love. May His light shine through us in this dark world.

Isaiah 38:16-17

16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh restore me to health and make me live! 17 Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What “things” does Hezekiah speak of? [v.16]

+ What did Hezekiah mean when he said, “it was for my welfare”? [v.17]

+ How does God deliver Hezekiah? [v.17]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where have I experienced bitterness in my life?

+ How have I seen God restore me in the past?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I share this message of hope with?