Oasis of Hope • Finding Joy As We Respond to Suffering

Suffering is a fact of life and it hits all of us at different times and in different ways whether through chronic illness, depression and other mental illnesses, job loss, loneliness and isolation, etc. This issue of Oasis of Hope explores ways of finding joy as we respond to suffering.

We could try to hide our suffering and act as if nothing is wrong. Subsequently, we can fall into despair, thinking there is no way out. Or we may try to survive only in our own strength, but that does not usually work out well. And it is surely not a way of finding joy. So what can we do when life seems hopeless?

Psalm 62:7-8 Christian Standard Bible

My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah

FINDING JOY EVEN IN OUR PAIN

Circumstances may not change, but God is still with us. He understands. Jesus was a man of sorrows, yet He also knew joy. We can look to Jesus and learn to be content, thriving within our limits and finding joy as we respond to suffering.

Hebrews 12:2 New King James Version

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Join us in this issue of Oasis of Hope as we explore the wilderness and also the depths of depression, share our lives, expand our horizons, and look at the blue sky. Things may not always be as they ought, but one day wrongs will all be made right. Until then may God give us the grace to continue on our journey of finding joy as we respond to suffering.

FINDING JOY IN GOD’S COMFORT

Psalm 94:18-19 Christian Standard Bible

If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord. When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.

In This Issue

In this issue of Oasis of Hope, we explore the hidden things – the hard, the messy, the exhausting, and the beautiful:

Determined to Thrive in the Wilderness Place by Tammy Mashburn
Stigma Of Depression • My Descent Into Hell by Heather MacLaren Johnson
6 Benefits of a Leader’s Transparency by Terry Powell
Which Blue Sky Do You See? by Megan Willome
Not the Way Things Ought To Be by Jill Briscoe

We pray these words meet you where you are today, but do not leave you there. Finally, we pray they draw you just a little deeper into Jesus, the Light of the world. And may you find joy in the process.

Determined to Thrive in the Wilderness Place

I am determined to thrive… I will be intentional in cultivating peace, joy and contentment…Gratitude in the small victories will carry me.

#AudioBlog 💿

Stigma Of Depression • My Descent Into Hell

Stigma is the main reason only a third of people with serious depression and/or anxiety ever seek treatment, which sadly can lead to suicide.

#AudioBlog 💿

A Leader’s Transparency • 6 Benefits to Consider

A transparent leader isn’t pretentious. With discretion, he shares personal stories from his spiritual pilgrimage, and how the truths being taught affect him or her.

#AudioBlog 💿

Which Blue Sky Do You See Today? (Poetry Prompt)

Which Blue Sky Do You See Today? • A Poetry Prompt

Which blue sky do you see today? How can you describe it in a way that describes how you are feeling? Or perhaps your sky isn’t blue at all—write that sky.

#AudioBlog💿

Not the Way Things Ought to Be

It’s not the way things ought to be. And yet the way things are. I look above and see a void. And not one single star. Then in the day the blue is grey…

#AudioBlog 💿

Prayer Pond

You're invited to the Prayer Pond, a place where you can share your prayer requests, updates, and shouts of praise. Whether a request, praise, lament, suffering, loss, hope, grief, or joy, each prayer ripples with radical hope and compassionate change.

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