Blessed

I admit there are some days I wonder why I am still here. Days where I long to leave this cruel world and be with Jesus where everlasting peace reigns. It's easy when I'm depressed to just want out, especially when I see how cruel society can be in these times.

But let me tell you about why those days don't consume me. I sometimes wake to the sun streaming through my window and splashing across my walls. I close my eyes and savor it, because I can feel Jesus smiling on me. There is no other feeling like it. I feel so incredibly blessed, all that I can do is praise, "Thank you, Lord!" I have family and friends that never cease to be there for me. I live in a country where I am free and safe, where I live under a roof that shelters me. I have had a great life and am ever thankful for the man it has turned me into. Above all, I have Jesus in my heart and His hand on my shoulder, and the promise that He will never leave me, no matter what.

Moments like that remind me, despite my health, that I have comforts many in this world do not. I am truly blessed to have all that I have, and the life I have experienced. When depression sets in after you have a physical or emotional setback, it's easy to put yourself and your problems first. But we must make an effort to remember there are many who are much worse off than we are, and to pray for them. Our own problems then seem so much smaller.

As Americans and citizens in a free society, we take too many things for granted. We don't know what it's like to live in fear under brutal tyranny, to watch our own family starve because we can't afford to put food on the table, or live without electricity or basic amenities for who knows how long. But unfortunately, the fact is many throughout the world do know what that is like. We are all brothers and sisters by God. We have an obligation to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, that one day they may know some of the comforts we are blessed with every day. Pray that one day they will be reunited with us in Heaven, walking with Jesus as we will walk with Jesus.

Always remember your blessings, and always thank the Lord for giving you those blessings. The best way to honor God is to use your blessings to help others. Whether you are introducing them to Jesus, or just offering a helping hand, you are not wasting the blessings God has given you. You are standing up and doing your part in His will, and that can make all the difference.