It's known that people strive to survive; to live. Even when people are at their lowest, there's a quiet will inside of them that won't stop living. Even if they lose everything, they still do the things they need to do: eat, drink, sleep, try to pass time by, maybe finish some work, clean the house, whatever it is.

What keeps us going? We see those who do manage to escape the will to live, like those who are suicidal, those who lose their purpose and just fade away... actually mainly just those who are suicidal in general. As harsh as that sounds.. it's pretty blatant truth. Because even those who lose purpose in their lives still strive to live and search.

But, I think the fact that we still strive to live is something God planted. Constantly we're in search for peace, love, happiness, you name it, all that is good. Even those who have fallen into addictions in hopes of running away can attest to the fact that they did not find peace. They did not find happiness.

So then why is it that when we have every reason to turn away from God, to stop living, or whatever depressed mood or accusations we're giving ourselves, why is it that we still choose to live? Why do we fight so hard to live when whatever logic or worldview we hold in our minds points to our condemnation and demise?

Guilt? Low self-esteem? Hate? Emptiness? Things like that always bring us down. "You're not good enough." "You're not worth it." "God hates you." "You're disgusting."

I think the reason we keep striving to live is because at the very core of ourselves is God. We were created by Him and for Him, so it's little wonder that rooted in our hearts is the desire for all that is good, since that is who God is: all good.

We desire love. We desire happiness. We desire hope, faith, peace, perseverance and so on.

So maybe that's why when I'm lying there beating myself up for the mistakes and decisions I make, maybe that's why I couldn't stop praying even if I wanted to..

Deep inside us is a purity not kept alive because of who we are or what we've done, but because of who He is and what He's done.

The part inside us that never gave up wasn't us. We gave up multiple times. It was God Who never gave up. And He never will.

Just as God is eternal and everlasting, so is His love and mercy.