There have been many times in my life when a pall of sadness has covered my mood for various reasons. However, with the passing of years, the Lord has taught me that He can bring me strength and solace through my joy in Him, even in the hardest of times.
This realization hit me the hardest following the occasion of my widowhood. I had discovered at that time that despite my grief at the loss of my husband, I could be grateful for the forty-seven years we’d had. My new closer and more dependent relationship with the Lord brought me such joy. He and I communicated effectively through my times of prayer and Bible study by my pouring out my heart to Him and His answering me through His word and through confirming circumstances. Each time I’d hear that crystal clear response to my question or agreement, I’d put up a thumb, as in “I hear you; thank you, Lord.” It happened so frequently, there was no way it could be mere coincidence or wishful thinking.
I ‘d bring Him issues regarding various family members or friends that confused me, perplexed me, and would present them, as if He didn’t already know about them long before I had a clue. But, being a chicken-hearted confronter, that was as far as my part went. As situations developed, I realized how well He actually did deal with them in a much more comprehensive and informed way than I would have.
It has become apparent that life goes so much smoother if you allow God to lead in all these situations, always going to Him for advice and counsel. He knows already what should be done and is already working on it in the best possible ways.
The strength I have gained from this relationship has granted me an ongoing sense of joy. I don’t need to waste time and energy in worry, fear, or complaining. Although I do still do so at times. But overall, I think He’s led me to have a mostly victorious attitude about dealing with life. If I can keep hunting for God’s gift of His presence amidst troubles, (those thumbs up moments) I feel joy bubbling up and I am strengthened.
My daily God word (attributes of God) serve as an example. Yesterday’s prayer time selection from a long list was “stronghold.” This word for the Christian life is usually referred to as a negative, but as a positive meaning, it refers to Jesus as our fortress. Imagine my surprise when our sermon at church was all about, you guessed it, strongholds. This is not the first time such a “coincidence” has occurred. Yes, He hears me and more importantly, I hear Him. The joy of the Lord is my strength.