Let’s face it, there are times when life is the pits. We’re separated from the people we love. And we’re lonely. We didn’t get the promotion that we really, really were hoping for. Someone else got it instead. That project that we spent so much time on? Yeah, it bombed.

You work hard, sacrifice much, and throw your entire heart and soul into your family, your friends, your job, your life’s calling. But no one seems to see it or appreciate it. It just feels so frustrating. And so unfair.

You feel lower than a snake’s belly.

And maybe it’s Christmas time, so people are singing about peace, joy, togetherness and love. Not only are you not feeling it, but the lights, the songs, the scent of the Christmas tree — they just make it all feel worse.

Much worse.

God may seem far away. It may seem like he is simply ignoring our plight.

But he knows. And he cares. God, high above, sees far below. No matter the distance, he knows everything about you.

He loves you. And he will vindicate you. He will put things right. He will never abandon the child he loves. His love is eternal. He’s not going to quit on you now.

After all, didn’t he redeem you? And the work he has begun in you, he will lovingly bring to completion. Jesus always finishes what he starts. You will be protected and preserved. And his name will be glorified.

You may be down. But you’re not out.

So, go ahead. Because you can. Call out, “Help me up, Lord!”

⁶ Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
    though lofty, he sees them from afar.
⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
    with your right hand you save me.
⁸ The Lord will vindicate me;
    your love, Lord, endures forever—
    do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:6-8, NIV)

Help me up, Lord!

Our Bible reading for Friday, December 4, is Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 4:7-21 and Psalm 138:1-8.

Header image based on "Tears are tasteless" by LMAP, CC By 2.0