Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

There are moments, perhaps even seasons of life, when your faith feels unstoppable. Your spirit is alive. It’s burning with anticipation, optimism, and courage. You’re ready for whatever comes your way! Nothing in this world is comparable to these experiences, and they help strengthen every facet of your life (i.e. marriage, parenting, work). My prayer is that this type of faith becomes more common and richer for us all, rather than momentary. It’s interesting though, that you can experience these great seasons, or even victories, but then moments later, find yourself drained, discouraged, or, as Proverbs 17:22 describes, broken.

Proverbs 17:22 is more relatable than most of us are willing to admit. We all go through times where we feel like we’re out of resources, and addressing another valley or giant seems impossible. We have little desire to sign up for another trial. We don’t have the energy to fight any more battles. What do we do then? What do we do when sorrow and discouragement have gripped our hearts? There is nothing more painful than a broken spirit.

I know it can be painful, confusing, and frustrating to walk with dry bones. You can be sure, the promise you have from God will pass through some things. It’s at these times a decision must be made. Will your faith rest in your subjective experiences or in God’s Word? Will you make the decision, regardless of feelings, waiting time, or opposition, that you’re going to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind? Here is what that means….

Your decisions…your daily self-talk will look like this:

· “Even though I’m not currently experiencing peace, I will not make the conclusion that peace is not for me.”

· “Although I’m feeling discouraged, I will not make the conclusion that hope and joy are not for me.”

· “Even though I’m still not healed, I will not make the conclusion that God is not the healer.”

· “I will never question His love. I will trust in His promises. I will trust in His Word, that He is good, and He cares for me.”

Never allow a difficult season to steal what God has promised you. That’s exactly what the devil wants to do. To break you down and steal your worship. But you cannot trust the feelings those experiences produce. Instead, you will grow resilient and deep as you trust in what His word says. You’re not an orphan. You’ll never be alone. You have overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony! Your testimony, regardless of current experience, always begins with your freedom to choose to make a bold declaration that He is still good, faithful, and mighty! Watch what begins to happen in your heart when your focus shifts from your experience to Jesus Christ!