Discouragement

Discouragement happens. From time to time, a darkness settles upon us, whether it's an acute awareness of our sinfulness, or a dented bumper that means a hassle with the insurance company, body shop and car rental dealership. Could also be the heat, the humidity, whatever, we all find times when it seems that the brambles are choking the life out of us. St. Ignatius refers to these periods as "desolation" and he advises us that it is not from God (so it does no good to blame him) for God is not a God of torture. Testing, yes, to strengthen us, free us, purify us, and lead us through a painful process to a deeper life in Christ. The prophet, Zephaniah, speaks to Jerusalem and us: "On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem;/ Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!/ the Lord, your God, is in your midst,/ a mighty savior;/ He will rejoice over you with gladness,/ and renew you in his love,/ He will sing joyfully because of you,/ as one sings at festivals./ I will removed disaster from among you,/ so that none may recount your disgrace." (Zeph 3: 16-18). If God is this optimistic, can we not find consolation and encouragement in him?
Bro. Rene