It occurs to me that those who say "when it rains, it pours" have never actually seen it rain because it more often than not does not pour when it rains. This is true. But what do we remember? We remember the times that it poured. The water comes down so hard that puddles form in our yards and anyone that was caught outside looks like they were dunked in the lake. And then the next time there is a hint of rain we think it will happen again.
There is something about the human brain that processes those negative things in a way that gives them more of an impact. We remember them. We dwell on them. We relive them. This is why I remember my times of discouragement vividly, even though I have been encouraged on more occasions.
I was reading through Exodus and it turns out this is nothing new. Moses was told by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery. You would think that when God told him that he would accomplish this and go with him that the people would be excited. They have been in slavery for a while now and would no doubt appreciate the good news. Well...not exactly. It wasn't that they didn't want to hear it, they just couldn't.
Moses reported this to the Israelites but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage." Exodus 6:9
Discouragement is a powerful emotion. Despite what God had told them and even the history lesson he gave them to prove it to them, they still could not see any sort of hope in their circumstances. The pain was just too big and real.
The Lord never leaves you
Maybe you find yourself in a discouraged place today. The pain is too much. The anxiety is overwhelming. How can I ever have hope? Listen to what the Lord says and be encouraged:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
Remember that in the story of Moses, God did accomplish what He said He would do. God has not left you. He has not ignored you. He is not sick of you. He holds you up by His hand. Look to Him today and realize that sometimes when it rains it doesn't pour.
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