“Clarence: Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at the age of nine.
George: That’s a lie! Harry Bailey went to war! He got the Congressional Medal of Honor! He saved the lives of every man on that transport.
Clarence: Every man on that transport, died! Harry wasn’t there to save them, because you weren’t there to save Harry. You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?”
George Bailey is given the gift by angel second class, Clarence Oddbody of seeing what life would have been like had he never been born. Even in the depths of depression in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and considering suicide, George battles with the good that did result because of his life versus the despair the future is threatening.
Biblical Joseph in the Christmas story must have struggled as he hears that a census has been declared while Mary is greatly pregnant. Then there is no “inn” as she is about to deliver. He might have thought, “The hits just keep coming.” Some days are like that.
George fights the lie with the truth that his brother’s life was meaningful because of him. Truth helps us fight despair and puts the present in perspective so we find peace. Focusing on a God who is able to defeat the Romans, provide housing, help us be victorious in battle, and face what ever giant is threatening us helps us hang in there. Sometimes we forget though and that is where the body of Christ is important to remind us that we are forgiven, that we are valuable, and that God is working for our good.
Maybe you are feeling down now and need to review the events that is discouraging you and put them in perspective. Identify the good that is in them. Or perhaps you are the friend that needs to affirm someone today who is discouraged. The encourager and the one being encouraged are both important to God and to others. Blessings as you seek to keep the positive in sight.
On the Way to Wonder 