So it is obvious that in sad times we feel sad. I have felt sad the past two days. I have had thoughts like, "this isn't fair", "why can't we just have it the easy way?" and many others, but I have also experienced something that I haven't had the chance to experience in a long time. Joy in the midst of sadness.
Many people who don't know God's joy in a personal way think that joy is the same as being happy or content. Those of us who
have experienced God's joy, however, know from those experiences that joy doesn't mean either one of those things. In fact if you asked me to describe what I am feeling right now I don't even know that I could describe it with many words. Sure I can describe the situation that we are in right now, but my feelings about it are simply joy, trust and peace.
God gave me a picture this morning of a giant tree and people enjoying the tree in different ways. Some were picking and eating the delicious fruit. Others were climbing high into the branches. Others were swinging on the rope tied to a branch. Still others were sitting in the shade having a picnic lunch. God reminded me of a few things with this picture. First of all, He wants us to enjoy Him- however that looks in our own lives. Enjoy the gifts and blessings He has for us, even if that means enjoying them in a different way than those around you. Let the joy that He has just for you fill you up. Second He reminded me of the trust that we should put in Him. The people enjoying the fruit weren't worried they would be poisoned, the people climbing and swinging from the branches weren't worried that they would fall, and the people having a picnic weren't worried that the tree would come toppling down on them. They were trusting the tree. I trust God. He is good. He is faithful. I am thankful that His joy can overshadow the sadness that life can sometimes bring our way. Be joyful!
P.S. I got on BibleGateway to look up a verse that has to do with joy and look what the verse of the day is...
"
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” -Romans 12:12... AMEN!!!
thanks for sharing sus. just what i needed... i'm not enjoying this week.. but my annoyances are tiny compared to the sadness you have had with the visa issues. thank you for sharing honestly and also reminding me to look for the joy that God provides. love ya girl! blessings-melissa
ReplyDelete(ps.. you are in many great memories from summer of 04... and most of them i just laugh all over again!)
I love how God works in you! Enjoy it, that's a privilege you have as a princess of God! You're encouraging to me!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love you. I'm proud of you. I can't wait to see your face.
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