Well... I did not expect this from you... It was a delightful surprise... you have spoken in human form... and I absolutely agree with what you have stated...My life has ups and downs like any other person.
But these times are very trying.
"…now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (1 Peter 1:6)
I have had to draw nearer to God because I felt like I was drifting off a little; getting caught up in the affairs of this evil world (COVID, vaccine oppression, rigged elections, evil democrats, weak republicans, etc.).
More prayer, more meditation in the word, more patience toward confused Christians. Loving my enemies. It all takes prayer and close fellowship with God through the Spirit and his word.
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7)
"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer" (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
I too have had a life filled with ups and downs... perhaps even more downs than ups due to my affliction of Severe depression.
It is the gospel of GRACE that has set me free from much of my affliction... and my new attitude of gratitude... My experience with this covid thing has been opposite to most... I have been filled with great Joy and Peace at a time where many have experienced very real and tragic afflictions.
I lack much patience in others' opinions and beliefs... you perhaps have this gift of long-suffering and bearing with... I do not because my entire Christian walk ( up until most recently )... has been filled to overflowing with the doctrine of FEAR of loss of my salvation.. thanks to a very legalistic family.
The JOY of knowing GOD really truly loves me... is not angry with me.. .is not counting my sin... is such a COMFORT... I do not use this knowledge to ABUSE His Grace... but I sure have been accused of that including embracing and accepting sin... Sadly... I have not learned how to defend myself from such cruel attacks.
GRACE sets the sinner free... it truly does. Thank you for this heart felt response... My heart melts when I hear words like you have spoken... because it tells me that I am indeed speaking to a human being.
Most tenderly... Addy