Don't YOU care?

​Don't you care? 

Have you ever said those words to God? 


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There are instances that will arise in life, that will cause us to have a time of questioning.   When we face painful circumstances beyond our control, we tend to feel isolated and depressed.  We wonder, if God sees, hears our cries and feels our pain.  Why are we going through this?  Why is there so much brokenness and hopelessness?  

Let us stop for a moment and look at the apostle Paul.  Remember his trials?  
For me, I find spiritual renewal each time I read the book of Philippians. 
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The Book of Philippians is a letter of joy...is celebrates joy.  It is a favorite of mine!

"Joy" and "rejoice" are mentioned numerous times in this book.
God gives us a wonderful prescription to heal our hearts with this letter of joy.  

Yet Paul writes this delightful letter from a dark cold prison cell, chained.   He is uncertain if he will see a new day dawn.  Paul lives for Christ and through His strength.  

​People will disappoint you, finances will dry up, you body will fail you, but we cannot live according to our  circumstances.  We must live through Christ and our inner joy. 

Phillipians 1:29   For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
It is not the will of God that we ALL be free of trials, pain and suffering.
​We will suffer, but we can find comfort. 

Phillipians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Know for sure that God will help you through your circumstance.  There are thousands of lives at this moment, struggling brothers and sisters in Christ, who have circumstances that are mostly likely greater than your burden.  Many are persecuted, starving and tormented in His service.  The horror they are experiencing is all for Him.  Surely you also can allow Him to work through and in you.  Focus on Christ within you and draw on His strength. 
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There is JOY in living and JOY in serving Him even while in our trial. 
JOY is what will draw us together and keep us going.  
Did you know that joy can "heal?"  It can. 
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"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  
​Proverbs 17:22
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Paul had Christ with him there in that prison cell.  He was there in his heart.  
Paul knew Christ felt the coldness of that hard floor and the pain of the  heavy chains against his skin.   Paul still had His inner  joy.   We can too. 

Look to Him, tell Him you know He cares and will strengthen you. 
​Focus on Christ. 
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For after the rain, comes refreshing growth...
​you leave the storm spiritually stronger. 

The valleys in our life are unavoidable. 
God cares, He hears, He feels our pain.   He walks with us  the entire way.

The next valley you enter or the next storm that pops up out of nowhere,  know that there is still joy hidden deep inside you (Christ).  He cares for you.    
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​1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.