Life can be complicated. Sometimes it’s sticky, messy and just not fun. We go through many changes during all of the different seasons that translate into times of growth and great transformation of who we are in Christ. Life isn’t always easy; it won’t always be perfect and let’s face it: there are going to be things -or events- that we just don’t find so peachy keen.

I’m gonna be pretty honest with you, today, someone really let me down.

It’s definitely not the first time I’ve been disappointed, and I know it won’t be the last. As humans, we aren’t perfect, and we will let down those we hold dear. Hurt is inevitable in the world, however, what we can control is how we will respond.

In the midst of my sadness and frustration, I decided to log onto my blog I made years ago as a part of my senior project. One blog article I wrote almost two years ago about the same disappointment I am facing today really renewed my spirit. Younger Brittany was able to speak to the current hurt in my heart and bring a new ray of light to my situation.

There are going to be times that are difficult and we will be hurting, whether that be by circumstance, an outcome of events or the people that we are closest to. I’m learning in this season of my life that people are human and we can’t expect them to be perfect. Hurting is a natural part of this life and it’s inevitable, but what’s even more certain is that we serve a loving Father who is always there to wipe away the tears, take our broken hearts, put them back together and love us through the trials.

Today is truly one of those, “I’d rather be in a crappy mood” days. I am absolutely having to fight the pity party inside my head, and I’m honestly fighting to not play the blame game with this person who really hurt me. Today doesn’t have to be a total dump because someone was careless with my feelings. No matter what happens I get to set the pace and the tone of how I want this gift of life to be lived, so today I am choosing joy; not because I’m not sad, angry or upset, but because I know that my joy comes from Someone who holds my heart, bottles my tears and promises me new mercies each and every day. Psalm 5:11-12 illustrates the attitude of my heart perfectly:

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You, for You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as wit a shield”

He’s really the only One we can count on. His love for us is unfailing, never ending, so strong, yet so gentle. He’s shielding me from pain. He’s protecting me from what isn’t best. There truly is no love like His love for us. His love is always there, and so refreshing in our time of hurting. It’s like our spirit is renewed every time we draw from His heart. Today, I surrender my attitude and my heart to Jesus, the One I can rely on in times of sadness. Let Jesus be the keeper of your heart, your disappointments and heartache. Allow Him to bring you new joy and peace today!