Where is Joy?. . .

What A Friend We Have In Jesus ~ Arrangement by Rick Betts
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Often when sorrow strikes the statement is made, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I recall Dr. Robert Schuller, a clergyman, once say, “God never answers our whys, as most people would only want an argument with God anyway at which time God will only be silent.” However, what may be asked is, “What happens to good people when bad things happen to them?”  The answer, God promises to 'comfort' us, which is one of His many promises that I have been reminded of over and over again, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).

So, where is joy when there seems to be so much despair, heartache, pain, uncertainties, and stifled stress in our lives? Do you find yourself ‘enduring’ life rather than ‘enjoying’ life? As we journey along life’s path, it seems some of these feelings are more common than what we had hoped for. Sometimes we feel lost and forlorn while asking “Is that all there is?” 

We were never promised life would not have its ups and downs. We were never promised life would be smooth sailing. We were never promised that life would not have its trials and tribulations. Life, at times, will give us pain, will give us sorrow, will give us disappointments, will give us difficulties, and will give us loss, which we must all face and endure. Hence, it is our choice, and only our choice, how we choose to react to what happens to us that matters the most, not the other way around.  To help us endure, however, we are promised joy! Hence, I find much comfort when reading, “…weeping may endure for the night, BUT joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). 

Like myself, I am sure many will remember this year as a time with much sadness rather than gladness.  I know a lot of folks who have had a lot of heartache this year, so much worse than mine! I am reminded of what Queen Elizabeth once said during her 1992 Christmas message, “This year has turned out to be an “Annus Horribilis.”  Indeed 2013, thus far, has most certainly been a life-changer for many of us.  Nevertheless, the only way I have learned to find joy in my life is not surrendering to my tears and fears, but finding relief from my grief, counting my blessings instead of my burdens, and aspiring to inspire others before I expire! I am learning to ‘isolate’ myself from negative thoughts by ‘insulating’ myself with positive thoughts, and letting go of any despair through prayer. Joy is a mindset – flowing from the inside out.  I believe God’s providence is my inheritance; in other words, as I learn to turn my pain into gain, my “trials into triumphs” and my “scars into stars” (Schuller quotes) when I seek His wisdom, endurance and guidance for my life.  For I know when I “cast my cares upon Him, He truly cares for me” (1 Peter 5:7).

It is only when I choose to cultivate an attitude of gratitude by recognizing my only best friend that will truly help me find and experience genuine joy throughout life’s journey is when I put my faith in Jesus.  I once read, “A Christian’s practical theology is often his hymnology ”(Author Unknown).  I can honestly attest to this truth as I have so often turned to the old hymns for comfort and solace.  Once such hymn is “What a friend we have in Jesus.”  For I have learned that joy is not ‘because’ of my circumstances but ‘in spite’ of them. It is only when I focus my attention on what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do in my life that allows me to look beyond today’s pain in the hopes of many tomorrows.  And this, my friend, is where I find my joy!

What a friend we have in Jesus, 

all our sins and griefs to bear! 

What a privilege to carry 

everything to God in prayer! 

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear, 

all because we do not carry 

everything to God in prayer. 

Have we trials and temptations? 

Is there trouble anywhere? 

We should never be discouraged; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Can we find a friend so faithful 

who will all our sorrows share? 

Jesus knows our every weakness; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Are we weak and heavy laden, 

cumbered with a load of care? 

Precious Savior, still our refuge; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 

Take it to the Lord in prayer! 

In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 

thou wilt find a solace there.

~ Joseph M. Scriven ~ (1857)

“When you are joyous, look deep into your heart 

and you shall find it is only that which has given 

you sorrow that is giving you joy.” ~ Kahlil Gabran

Letting Go. . .

Be Thou My Vision ~ Arrangement by David Baroni 
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Our dog, Jake, loves when I give him a fresh bone to chew on. He will lie in our backyard for hours chewing and gnawing away on his bone. He will proudly saunter around the backyard with his bone or bask in the sun making sure at least one of his paws is on his bone so he does not lose it.  So, when it comes time to come into the house he will optimistically assume that he can bring his best bone ever into the house with him. However, that is when I must say to him, “Let go, drop it” much to his resistance, but eventual relinquishment.

This little scenario reminds me how I too have had to learn to ‘let go’ and ‘let God’ care for me, guide me, provide for me, strengthen me, and fulfill me.  In other words, I have to truly trust God with every aspect of my life and let Him be my vision throughout my life.  Although God’s plans for us may not necessarily be revealed within our timeline, we can always find comfort by meditating on His promises and trusting that He will be our refuge.  

Letting go is not an easy task.  There are times when even though I have wanted to resist letting go I have had to relinquish myself to the fact that I really am not in control of what will or will not happen in my life. We have no control, for example, when a life changing event happens in our lives. It will completely catch us off guard and set us on a path we could have never anticipated.  That is how I felt, the day I had to walk away from my job. A position I have enjoyed very much, but when I became ill I had to let go and let others take over what I had been doing for the past 10 years. Letting go is not only hard, but it is humbling knowing you are no longer in control of what will or will not happen in your life. However, by accepting, believing, and trusting that God has a plan for my life not only builds but strengthens my relationship with Him. It allows me to see His vision, and not my vision, for my life. This is why I love Psalm 23:1-2 when I read, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, and He restores my soul.” In other words, He knows what is best for me!

So often when we seek an answer from God it is on our timeline under our terms, but God does not work that way. Ultimately, it is when we trust and wait on Him rather than hitting the panic button every time some situation does not work the way we planned or hoped it would turn out that He may then reveal His plans for our life. I find comfort and assurance when reading, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). In other words, He has a plan for my life!

It is only when I put my complete trust in God's hands and let go of my woes and cares, like releasing the tethers on a hot air balloon, can I experience the comfort, peace and hope that only God can provide.  It is only when 'letting go' of all my should've, could've or would'ves, as well as my disappointments, hurts, insecurities, fears, uncertainties, and worries will I then experience His direction and purpose for my life. How many times have I read throughout my life, “Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart; lean not unto thy own understanding, but in ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  It is only when I accept God’s plan for my life can I truly experience the joy of His faithfulness, in spite of my circumstances knowing that He is always there for me and will guide me along life’s journey. It is only when I completely trust God’s will for my life can my relationship with Him deepen knowing He truly cares and loves me for whom I am. In other words, He is always faithful!

Consequently, I have learned ~

By letting go and acknowledging God in my life – 

I will have love.

By letting go and letting God guide my life – 

I will have peace.

By letting go and trusting God with my life – 

I will have rest.

By letting go and leaning on God with my life – 

I will have contentment.

By letting go and letting God fulfill my life with His love, peace, rest, and contentment – 

I will have joy.

The following poem truly sums what I believe for my life:

“Lord, I am willing
To receive what You give.
To lack what You withhold.
To relinquish what You take,
To suffer what You inflict,
To be what you require.”

~ Anonymous ~

“The greatest step toward a life of 
simplicity is learning to let go.”
~ Steve Maraboli ~

Constant Companion. . .

I Need Thee Every Hour ~ Arrangement by Selah

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Since being at home recuperating, I have been in the company of two constant companions. First, there is our loveable, butterball cat, Willie, who is one of the most lackadaisical creatures on the face of the earth that one could ever possibly meet.  Willie is quite content receiving many tummy rubs throughout the course of the day as well as curling up on a soft sofa for his much needed catnaps. And then there is our beloved, gentle giant dog, Jake.  I have learned so much from this beautiful, even-tempered canine, particularly by ‘living in the moment,’ not dwelling in the past or worrying about my tomorrows, but truly enjoying what each day offers. One or the other is always by my side giving me their unconditional love and companionship. Their tender presence and quiet solace have been tremendously therapeutic for me and most certainly have enriched my life.  I honestly believe by having my two constant companions by my side each day that they have helped me to recover from surgery more quickly, which even my surgeon was pleased to see on a recent visit.  They are notoriously doing something funny throughout the day to make me laugh. They make me more content while being at home recovering from surgery, while at the same time still having to deal with the exhausting side effects of chemotherapy.  There is no doubt, I most certainly have been able to experience a very special bond with each of them that has brought much comfort and contentment in my life. In fact, many medical articles have been written about the positive effects pet therapy can have particularly in the healing recovery of cancer patients, which have resulted in significant improvement in one’s emotional and physical well-being to which I can attest! 

As much comfort and companionship that our much-loved pets have given to me, over these last few months, my utmost companionship, nevertheless, has been knowing God is present with me each and every hour of the day. For He has blessed me with His 'presence' in my heart and soul, His 'comfort' in my time of sorrow, His 'peace' in my time of distress, His 'reassurance' in my time of uncertainty and, most of all, His 'faithfulness and ever-lasting love' in my time of solitude.  How do I know this, because I believe in the scriptures when I read John 14:18 “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” It is my daily walk with God through my prayers and meditation that I know His presence and constant companionship. For I have learned, "peace is not the absence of affliction, but the presence of God" in my life, who is the greatest companion of all.

"By living in the still moments,
I have been enriched with the presence of God."

Bathed in Blessings. . .

It Is Well With My Soul ~ Arrangement by David Baroni
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There is not a part of my body that does not ache. Every step I take right now is an effort. I cannot do what I did a couples of days ago, the energy level just is not there. However, I will take one day at a time knowing I am nearing the half-way mark from this latest round of intense treatment. Chemo drugs are not kind to one’s body – but I will persevere knowing this too shall pass! Consequently, I look upon these times as the quiet moments when I can reflect on the many blessings that are a part of my life!  In times like these, I find great comfort when reading, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."  Isaiah 30:15.  I do not ever recall when there has been a time in my life, even during my darkest hours, when I have not felt the presence of God. He is always with me, comforting me, strengthening me, encouraging me, and  blessing me with His ever-lasting love. For I know –   

He gives me comfort when I am in discomfort.

"I, even I, am He that comforteth you." (Isaiah 51:12)

He gives grace when I am in grief.

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He gives me peace when I am in pain.

" Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

He gives me strength when I am weak.   

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)

He gives me hope when I am weary.

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)

I am so very grateful for being bathed in the blessings of God’s promises. For I have learned that it is only by His love and grace can I truly experience, what Horatio Spafford wrote in the 19th century, while walking along the shores near Cardiff, Wales, after losing his four daughters at sea with only his wife surviving, it is well with my soul!

“When we put our cares in His hands, 
He puts His peace in our hearts” ~ Anonymous

A Thankful Heart. . .

Calm The Wind. . . ~ Arrangement by Dan Gibson (Solitudes)
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When you think about it, they really are two very simple words – “thank” and “you.” Their impact, however, throughout our lives can be very instrumental in not only how we look at life, in general, but also how we deal with life’s challenges and obstacles on a daily basis.  I am sure most would agree that the phrase “thank you” has been embedded into our vocabulary at a very young age. It is an expression of gratitude as a result of someone else’s act of kindness.  It is an expression of our appreciation that someone else thought of us in a special way and took the time to do something nice for us, even when we did not expect it. I cannot tell you the outpouring of kindness bestowed upon me these past few months. I am truly overwhelmed and so very grateful for the words of encouragement and for the prayers that are being sent my way. 

When going through difficult times it is so important to be thankful for all things that happen in our lives. Yes, even a life changing event like cancer!  I am reminded in Ephesians 5:20, “Giving thanks always for ALL things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sometimes, that seems like a bitter pill to swallow. I truly believe, however, God’s promise when He says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).  I know, regardless of my circumstances, I am in God’s hands at all times.  It is only if I have a positive attitude about what is happening in my life, good or bad, that I can be less stressed about my circumstances and, hopefully, be an inspiration and encouragement to others. I can also give comfort to others, by understanding and reaching out to them during their time of need. 

I am so very thankful that God has given me the strength and endurance to get through these difficult days even when, some days, I barely have the energy to say “thank you”.  I know the best things in life are not things, but rather who is in my life such as my husband, family, and friends (and my pets). I am thankful for the access of health care that I have received these past few months.  It has not only saved my life but is extending my life, even though the treatments, at times, may be harsh. And at night, when I pray to God and thank Him for His loving care He has given me throughout the day, I can lay my head on a soft pillow in a warm bed anticipating with gratitude what He will bring into my life the next day, and the day after that.  For I have learned, my trials and tribulations can only help me continue striving for an attitude of gratitude knowing God’s grace is sufficient for me. And that truly gives me a very thankful heart. 

“Grow flowers of gratitude in the soil of prayer.”  ~ Verbena Woods