I love Southern Gospel music, even if that makes me "un-cool"! I like its folksy, real-life lyrics, and I could almost dance to the joyful tunes. Actually, I am almost sure that King David danced to Southern Gospel music!

Today, I am reminded of a beautiful song sung by Jason Crabb called "Sometimes I Cry". The song tells how even in a life dedicated to God, we find ourselves lonely and hurt.

Sometimes in our attempt to protect the reputation of God — as if it needs being protected — we smile and don't let people know that we also experience the pain of this world. When asked, "How are you?" we smile and tell everyone that we are fine, when maybe our world is falling apart. Maybe we have had a dry season spiritually and have become so thirsty that our tongues are parched. We actually long for someone to dip their finger into the cool water of Christ's grace and touch it to our tongues, but yet, we stand tall, not wanting anyone to know our weaknesses or our struggles. After all, we reason, they might get the idea that God hasn't met my needs or maybe they might see my imperfection and wonder what kind of God I serve. Then, as the song goes:

But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry
Sometimes I can't get it right
No matter how hard I seem to try
Sometimes I fall down
Stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
As the whole world looks on
But sometimes alone I cry.

I know for myself, whenever I share with anyone about my chronic depression, I go away feeling like I might have let God down somehow. Shouldn't Christians always be happy and cheerful? What will they think of my faith when I share that there are days when it is hard just to get out of bed? Some days, I am a mess! There are times when my prayers seem to go no higher than my head and even precious words from the Bible ring hollow. There are times when I fall down and ask "Why?" and question almighty God. How many will sign up for this Christian life, when I look like a human being suffering all the same things as everyone else?

It is at times like these that our hearts need to cheer with joy, as my heart does, at the knowledge that Jesus knows what we are going through, and does not expect our Christian testimony always to be absolutely perfect!

Hebrews 4:15-16 – This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. (TLB)

Prayer: O Lord, give us Your joy to cheer our hearts amid the down times of life. Amen.