But how can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a pagan land?
~Psalm 137:4
Israel was faced with great uncertainty.
As they sat among their captors they felt sad and wept, as they missed the beauty of Zion. When you are faced with adversity do you ever wonder when will darkness give way for the light? There they were having been scattered amongst the nations. Taken captive by the enemy and far, far from home they were asked to sing songs of joy.
Have you ever been in a situation of despair?
Perhaps your life took an unexpected turn and all you could do was hope for and remember days of old. That’s probably what the Israelites felt as they struggled to deal with being in captivity in a foreign land. As Christians we sometimes feel as though we are being held in captivity by circumstances beyond our control, yet God has a plan. Darkness cannot preside over light any more than the enemy can preside over death and life. Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave. He took the sting out of death and darkness must give way to the light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5
55“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:55-58
God has always had a plan for your life.
Jesus is the light of the world. He is Lord over time and your darkness won’t last always. God knows how hard it is to sing songs of joy, when it seems you can’t see beyond the darkness. Daily you look for light, you search for the end of your pain and all you find are your fading memories of better days gone by. In your bitterness you try to hold on, to your past, afraid of your future. Look up God is right there! Even as He redeemed Israel and brought her out of captivity, He is bringing you out of your situation.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Realize the day of your salvation is at hand and while you may have felt alone at times; God never left your side.
7Though 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. 8The Lord will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:7, 8
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 
Share encouragement!