The sun is coming up, and things will get better!

My main connection to worship is through music. Often, I am reminded of God's grace, love and mercy through the words sung by contemporary Christian music artists. A recent song has hit close to home recently.

We often become discouraged when going through life's rough spots and wonder if God really cares. There is an illustration of which I am reminded when I go through those valleys. Gold and silver in its raw form is dull, unattractive and full of impurities. Only after being heated are the impurities removed and the metal emerges, shiny and refined.

We cannot always see why we are going through rough situations. Sometimes we have to go through heartache and trying times to see that it is for our own good. Romans 8:28 says that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (NIV)

As Josh Wilson sings in his 2010 song, "Before The Morning," the hurts and hangups we experience are part of the refining process, and that the glory to come is well-worth the pain. "It's just the dark before the morning..."