It's all good...or is it?

It has been a few years now that I have adopted the phrase, "it's all good".  I use it during those times of high stress and during times of emotional and physical challenges because it's my way of saying, "despite what I am going through, my life is so good!".

Out of curiosity, I looked up this phrase to see what meanings it has and the one that caught my attention was this one from the Urban Dictionary:  "used in an optimistic sense to show the lightheartedness of something".  When I use that phrase, it is never meant in a flippant or derogatory manner, but instead, a way of saying to myself and others that I am blessed and whatever it is that I am going through at the time will pass.  The Lord is with me always, I know this.

But this morning, my heart is heavy in so many ways for so many people.

Right now, today, it is not all good for everyone.  There are husbands, wives, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, sisters, brothers, daughters, and sons walking through (or being carried through) severe challenges and heartbreak.

Right now, I know of at least one family who is praying for the safe return of a wife and mommy.  She disappeared two days ago and has a loving husband and beautiful infant daughter missing her and loving her.  It's not all good for them right now.

I know of at least four families experiencing or going through divorces right now.  This time of heartbreak, chaos, and upset is not a good time for these families.

I know of two other families who have been given devastating news regarding their health and who are trying to make serious life decisions that will affect loved ones.  It's not all good for them today...

So many others are facing surgeries that will determine much for them in the way of physical health.

There are people around the world who are suffering from loss, devastation, hunger, death, sickness, and so many other horrible things.  They certainly wouldn't choose to say that everything is fine right now.

So, how do I justify saying "it's all good" when in fact, it is not?  How can I smile despite my tears and heartbreak over loved ones' trials and difficulties?  Or despite my own?

I can say it because I know that my Saviour lives.  I know that by His blood and resurrection, I am redeemed.  God's Word has promise after promise that tells me He is with me always.  He will never leave me nor forsake me!  No matter what is going on in my life or the lives of others, I know He is in control.

There are times when it is not all "good".   

So, how can I move forward and not be completely crippled by the sadness, heartbreak, loss, and illnesses of the people I love and people I don't even know?  Pray!  Pray hard.  Take His holy Word into my heart and mind and recall it when things are the most difficult.  Praise Him when things are bad and praise Him when things are good.  Sing praises!  Speak praises!  Love others as much as I possibly can, every day, even when I don't feel like doing it.  The Lord will give me strength, if I simply ask Him for it.

God's Word encourages me today with this verse:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

In light of this verse, I believe I can say, "It's all good".

**Update on the mom who disappeared, she was found and she is safe.  Please continue to pray for her and her family.  Thank you.**

All my best to you today,