As much as I believe we can increase our joy, I
know there are days when we just can’t. I think we can make conscious decisions
to think positively, give some energy to our life and look for the good. But I
also know sometimes we just can’t. I
don’t believe encouraging someone to count their blessings is a trite
platitude. I know it can really help with our mindset.
But I also know sometimes we just can’t. There
will be days it will be impossible to choose joy and that is okay too.
Death. Shame.
Loss. Sadness.
Depression. Struggles.
Divorce. Disappointment.
Disease. Pain.
Worry. Grief.
Sometimes life hits us
too hard and we just can’t choose joy.
Life is hard and bad things happen. There will
be days or seasons in our life when joy seems impossible. Our natural reaction
when bad things happen is to retreat, to be alone with our pain, like a
wounded animal retreats to a secluded place to lick his wounds.
What we shouldn’t do is retreat from God. During
those tough times we feel like shutting everyone out to be alone with our pain,
the Bible says we should lean in to God.
David was greatly distressed
because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the
people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters.
But David
strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
The LORD also will be a stronghold for
the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
The LORD is my rock
and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My
shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
It is during those
times when life hits us the hardest that we need God the most. In fact, many
people first come to God when they are at their lowest. People look for God and
know innately they need Him when there is a death, a tragedy or personal crises.
We instinctively know during those times there is a God and He really does love
us and cares about the details of our life. If He knows the hairs on our head, He certainly cares about what
we are going through.
I would have despaired unless
I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the
living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait
for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14
If
you are having a day or a season when it is impossible to choose joy, lean in
to the Lord. Pray. He already knows, but it helps us when we pour out our
concerns to Him, knowing He always hears us and has compassion. This is one of
the best times to memorize and meditate on scripture. Find a verse that speaks
to you and commit it to memory, rehearsing it over and over, marinating your
mind with hope.
If
today is a hard day for you, please know I am praying for you, and lean in to
the God who created you, loves you more than you know, and will be with you
through it.
**(This is part of a 31 day series on finding Joy in the Journey. If you want to read more related posts click here. )**
Joyfully,
hi robyn, i found you on 31dayers:) helpful post. you are so right. there are times when the truth is we are justifyably in pain and deep sorrow. it is appropriate. it would ge inappropriate to try to put a smiley face on it. Blessings as you continue to work on your 31 day challenge:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha!
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