–Happy 2022!
I have missed you! I think because of being sick, missing the holiday I look forward to most every year, and the ugliness of the past year, my joy meter has been down. But God in His infinite wisdom knows that and hit me upside the head with my devotion yesterday.
Sarah Young wrote: Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you need to guard your thoughts and spoken words carefully. If you focus too much on all the things that are wrong, you will become increasingly discouraged- and your strength will be sapped. As soon as you realize this is happening, stop this hurtful process immediately. Turn to me, asking me to help you with all of your struggles. As I turn to Him, my strength will increase.
This morning, the message continued. As we turn to Him, He infuses His Joy and Peace into our hearts, minds and souls. When you are joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you. Even though you see much darkness, you can also see the Light of My Presence continuing to shine. Moreover, the Joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems in your life. Once you have gained this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their troubles. They will find the consolation you have found in Me. Thus your joy becomes contagious, “infecting” those around you with Joy in their souls.
So right now, I’m turning my disappointments, sadness and worry over to Him. I invite you to do the same if you are struggling with difficulties. Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Just lay it out there. As we let go of the burdens we carry, and trust Him to help us cope, He will infuse us with His Joy!
There is a chorus in the hymnal that has the following lyrics:
I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens
Down at Your feet
And any time I don’t know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You.
Shine, Shine, Shine!
Tina