We had three deaths in our family this week. No, it isn't a misprint--we just found out about the last one after I had posted previously.  Two were natural deaths, the other wasn't.  If ever there were a time to test the validity of  the promises of Scripture, the faithfulness of the Lord we worship, and our own profession of faith, this is the week.  

Without delving into details, let me say that we have found, once again that --

"...all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. " [2 Corinthians 1:20]  

It is significant that Paul's word to "Rejoice evermore" in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 is quickly followed with this piece of instruction: "Pray without ceasing." [v. 17].  Our joy can quickly be dampened by circumstances if we aren't in communication with JESUS.

If I may invert the order of a couple of verses, here is another passage that has buoyed me.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; ---2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Why?

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.---2 Corinthians 4:6