​God gifts rest to the weary and graciously provides joy to the sorrowing. 
I don't know if you're anything like me, but in my times of deep sadness and painful sorrowing I didn't always feel rested or joyful. 
Instead I experienced sleepless nights and mental anguish.
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Does that mean there's something we must do to receive his rest and joy?
Of course he could and he may freely gift it, but isn't it true that during our most desperate times we come to the end of ourselves? We learn that somethings (many things) are beyond our control. 
We learn to rely on him.

When our faith is rooted in him we can experience joy through our struggles. True joy. The kind that cancer, divorce, addiction, abuse, or heartbreak can't destroy. 
Our weariness doesn't last forever. 
He does provide rest. 
Our sorrowing subsides.
He showers us with joy. 
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Dear Heavenly Father,

You are so good to us.
In this world we experience a range of emotions.
If we never knew heartache we would never know love. 
We're in awe of your design. 
Help us to find the purpose in our pain. 
We pray that you would provide rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing. 
Lord, when we encounter suffering, remind us to turn to you. 
We trust that in you our strength is renewed and through you we have victory. 
We love you Jesus! 

​Amen
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Psalms 73:26

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."
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1 Corinthians 13:4-8 has to be one of the most popular verses of all time. We see it everywhere. It's printed on throw pillows and cute little signs scattered around our homes. It's recited religiously at wedding (insert winking emoji). 
 I would even go as far as saying that most people in the secular part of society could quote at least one or two lines of this verse. 
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​However, even those of us that have the entire verse memorized may not be familiar with this fun little exercise that we'll learn today. I can't remember where this was first taught to me, but it's made a huge impact on how I view relationships and I've been recommending it to others ever since. 
So thank you to whoever shared it with me!
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​Surely, He can't literally expect us to forgive anyone and everyone.
And there must be somethings that are so egregious that we are not expected to forgive, right?
​ I mean there are some really awful people out there. 
Terrible people that have done some unspeakable things.
There must be a clause for refusing forgiveness to them.
​Let's take a look:
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