Years ago when our kids were teenagers and still at home, a song by this title was released. It resonated with me because raising teens was the hardest thing I had yet to encounter.

The Lord brought this song to my mind tonight. Reading the lyrics I realize how much this song was preparing me for the “not yet” of my story. Following are the lyrics:

Life Is Hard, But God Is Good

You turn the key
Then close the door behind you
Drop your bags on the floor
You reach for the light
But there’s darkness deep inside
And you can’t take it anymore

‘Cause sometimes living takes the life out of you
And sometimes living is all you can do

Life is hard, the world is cold
We’re barely young and then we’re old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good

You start to cry
‘Cause you’ve been strong for so long
And that’s not how you feel
You try to pray
But there’s nothing left to say
So you just quietly kneel

In the silence of all that you face
God will give you His mercy and grace

Jesus never said
It was an easy road to travel
He only said that you would never be alone
So when your last thread of hope
Begins to come unraveled
Don’t give up, He walks beside you
On this journey home and He knows

Life is hard, the world is cold
We’re barely young and then we’re old
But every falling tear is always understood
Yes, life is hard, but God is good

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Joel Lindsey / Pam Thum

—————————-

Reading these now 30 years later the truth of this song is a comfort, not a dirge.

When I was young it was scary to look too far down the path of life. Letting go of my babies as they became teens was hard. Letting go of high schoolers to college or career was hard. Letting go of them living at home to be married or live on their own was hard.

Then comes retirement and adjusting to being with your spouse all day everyday. This wasn’t hard for us, just a new normal. But many couples find it so hard their marriage doesn’t survive the change.

Why bring this up on a Monday as you’re starting a new week? We need to anticipate the changes to come in marriage. If we don’t we’re won’t be ready when they come.

Tom and I have weathered many changes in our marriage. Honestly there were times we didn’t like the hard. But God has been oh so very good to us. We just had to make it through the hard to uncover the good.

Today you may be facing a hard season you never expected. May I say you aren’t alone? Marriage is hard work and each season brings new hard to the door of your home. Those who desire to grow their marriage for God’s glory are willing to face hard times together. Most would never choose the hard God has chosen for us, but once it passes we wouldn’t change what we learned for any amount of money.

Our story is valuable. Do you see it that way? How has the enemy succeeded in making you ashamed of your story? Don’t let the hard you’ve experienced hide the goodness of God. He has been with you every step, faithfully completing the work He has begun in you and in your marriage.

Let Him have His way and trust Him with when and where you’ll tell others what you’ve learned.

Life is hard! But never forget that God is good—always good.

——————————

Thank you for being a part of our vineyard. We would love to hear how God has helped you through hard times. Let the comments section be your practice ground for telling your story.

Have a blessed week,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️