I've had a rough couple of months --years. This season in my life seems to have consumed me and I just feel on the verge of a meltdown most of the time. I feel like I can barely function.
I ask the Lord, "What are you trying to teach me through this time in my life?"
"Why do I struggle with having joy in the midst of difficult times?"
I am learning that choosing to live life joyfully is an inner discipline. I have to practice my heart attitude....though depression can really drain and draw you into darkness, I am learning that it is a continual choice of choosing to be joyful... finding ways to encourage my heart attitude. Obedience to the Lord ---even when I can't lift my head---to see that the Lord is helping me through each moment. Stillness. Listening. Worship. Rest.
He says, "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. " Matt. 11:28
Even in the midst of draining circumstances or difficult times, I am trying to light a candle in the darkness, play music through the pain, dance in the midst of the mess, and smile often. I need the Lord's sweet grace.
The song lyrics that I have written to you are from one of my favorite songs. I listened to it earlier this week and was reminded that there is joy --- freedom for those who obey. Hope.
Joy in the Journey
By Michael Card
There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
and freedom for those who obey.
And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind.
To all who have been born of the spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in in time
and of struggling with sin.
Forget not the hope thats bid for you
and never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost.
There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
and freedom for those who obey
and freedom for those who obey.
By Michael Card
There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
and freedom for those who obey.
And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind.
To all who have been born of the spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in in time
and of struggling with sin.
Forget not the hope thats bid for you
and never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost.
There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
and freedom for those who obey
and freedom for those who obey.
I had no idea the kind of struggles you've been going through over the last few years. I am encouraged to hear how you draw your strength from the Lord and are leaning on him in times of difficulty. you are much loved Laura.
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