After the rain

So many different dreams I have chased. So many places I have longed to go. So many times I have allowed the overwhelming desire to arrive at my destination ruin the joy I experience in the here and now. God says that not only does He greatly desire for me to live life to the fullest but that He died for it. He also graciously warns me about the enemies desire to destroy my life in any way he can.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” -John 10:10

In order to enjoy life abundantly, I need joy.

“When the heart is full of joy, it always allows its joy to escape. It is like the fountain in the marketplace; whenever it is full it runs away in streams, and so soon as it ceases to overflow, you may be quite sure that it has ceased to be full. The only full heart is the overflowing heart.” -Charles H. Spurgeon

 I am a living testimony of how God can and will shower a person with joy. Countless times have I been sorrowful, downcast, and heartbroken. He has NEVER failed to reach His loving hand down to my miserable pit and lift me up. Sometimes it takes longer than others, but I can promise you, He will arrive. He will meet you where you are and He will not only rescue you from sadness and depression but He will then shower you with an overwhelming joy that only He can supply.

I know the weight of a despairing heart. You don’t have to carry the heavy load.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3

I am reaching the shore of overwhelming sadness. God has delivered me. He saved me back when He died on that rugged tree where He experienced a sorrow none will ever experience again and He saves me everyday when He delivers me from my struggles. If you are in a place of desperation, do not loose heart.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” -Deuteronomy 31:8

Starting now, instead of looking at all the reasons not to have joy, I am going to look at the many blessings that have been showered on me while giving Him all the glory and credit. All the good in my life has been lavished on me by a loving God. I will fill my head and heart with scripture each morning, pray like I have never prayed before, and sing songs of praise even when it’s dark. All the while He will be close, filling my heart with courage, strength, confidence, boldness, bravery and joy. Instead of crying about my pain or troubles, I will cry to Him in thankfulness that I have the opportunity to share in His sufferings and glory.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” -Romans 8:17-18