Choose Joy

The desert and the parched land will be glad

the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

Isaiah 35: 1-2

 

 

 

Greetings Beloved!

I adore Spring. Even though Fall is ultimately my favorite season, Spring is probably the season that keeps me alive. I think everyone in Michigan struggles with seasonal affective disorder whether they realize it or not. However, I wouldn't trade winter for anything; for it is in the darkness that we see the light. The darker the winter is - the greater joy we have in spring. Seasons remind me that God sometimes guides us into a wilderness as He did with the Israelites.... AND that the wilderness is only temporary. The thing about dark times, it that time tends to move like molasses. Even if you manage to keep hope that there will be an end, you can go crazy waiting for that end. That's why joy and gratitude are so essential in a Christian's life. They are what give light to a broken and cynical world.

Yet, how do we cultivate a joyful life in dark times?

1) Practice rememberance: In Psalm 42:6, David declares "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you." This is an incredibly insightful and encouraging soundbyte from God. In the first place, it reveals that there will be times when we will be downcast even disturbed! In the second place, it shows us one simple thing to do: Remember God. In the previous verse (4), David recalls going unto the house of the Lord with shouts of joy. It is helpful to remember the constancy of the Lord and to call upon his name - to arouse his power. God encourages us to interact with him in the dark and remembrance strengthens are ability to hear his voice of light amidst the dark.

2) Give thanks in all circumstances: Find the rose growing up through the pavement. Look for the glitter among the broken glass. Use the step above to remember the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord in the past and give thanks for that. If you sit and wallow in the current things that have gone wrong or throw a pity party - you will not be able to hear the voice of hope. When you give thanks, you open your heart to the truth of the Lord which will give you the endurance to keep going on. That is how you run with wings like the eagle.

May you be glad and rejoice in this day that the Lord has made no matter what circumstance you are facing! His love is better than life.