Joy & Laughter Return

Life is an interesting journey. One can go from the mountaintop to the valley in zero to sixty.

Has there been a time when that valley felt very lonely? Or maybe a time when you were so far down the pit of discouragement, disappointment, or depression that you not only couldn't laugh but you couldn't hear any laughter around you? Did you question if joy and laughter could ever return to your life?

In 640-609 B.C., Jeremiah was a priest in Judah. During his life, he was also called to serve as a spokesperson or prophet. Jeremiah had a front-row seat for the destruction, demise, and desolation of the kingdom of Judah. Since his message was one of judging and condemning, he was met with much resistance. So much so that numerous attempts were made on his life.

In the tenth year of King Zedekiah, who ruled over Judah, a prophecy was given to Jeremiah. In summary, he was told the city of Jerusalem would be overtaken and destroyed by the Chaldeans who were under the authority of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. This prophecy irritated Zedekiah so much that he had Jeremiah put in the court guard (imprisoned). Jeremiah was certainly in a tumultuous situation, yet he never faltered from his assigned duty. He was given the promise of Judah’s return and rebuilding which did happen.

The Lord’s Promise: “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel and will rebuild them as they were at first.” Jeremiah 33:6-7 NASB1995.

Promise Reinforced: “The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22. Research revealed that Lamentations was also written by Jeremiah. This book of the Old Testament covers a wide range of emotions including fear, loneliness, and hopelessness. In addition, a dramatic change from despair to hope is uncovered.

For You Today: The pain and struggles of life are real. It's an unpredictable journey. Being in the valley today doesn't mean there is no way out. The God who created you wants to rescue you with lovingkindness. Dare to believe, dare to hope in every situation. Allow yourself to see that the opposite of depression is not happiness but rather delight. Believe that joy and laughter can return in your life. The victory of healing and restoration is possible. “For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalms 149:4 NLT.