“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3
Author Holly Gerth said,
“Sharing pleasure with God is just as intimate as sharing the hard times.”
I unfortunately find this quote odd. And maybe it’s just me, but so often I feel like in our world, in order to be considered ‘holy’ or ‘wise,’ one must focus on the serious aspects of life, ponder deep questions, and engage in deep conversation.
you know what I’m talking about right?
I know my college and expeditions friends have lived life with me, and know what it means (and the need) to be brutally honest and real with one another. We go deep, we talk about the hardships and the reality of dreams falling apart. We know how to be intimate with one another.
but why do we so often squirm and skip politely around when it comes to joy?
guilt perhaps?
If “god is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him,” and God is this captivating King made of so many attributes, one of which being all surpassing joy, why do we shy away from it?
How did we get to this place of being ashamed by something that perhaps makes our spirit soar?
Seriously people, we’ve got to reclaim our joy!
“If our story begins in Eden and ends in heaven then joy has to matter to God.”
I know I’m going to have hard days. I know life isn’t easy (as I’m attempting to do my teaching portfolio), I know life crashes into us like waves sometimes.
But I think too that joy, sweet joy-
is God calling our hearts HOME. It’s a taste of paradise, of hope, it’s a reminder.
so share it.
I’ve felt so guilty expressing my excitement for being 100% funded for the World Race! I’ve felt like so many people have contributed that I need to take this seriously and prove to others that I’ll be a wise steward.
Yet, I’ve been sooo convicted of that attitude.
I need to stinkin SHOUT FOR JOY and let everyone know!
(imagine me jumping around like I’m 10) I cannot believe it! I applied in April, was accepted in May, and have raised $16,500 to travel the world and tell others about Jesus. I’m soo stinkin excited, no amount of exclamation points can express it! I wish I could pack everyone in my bags with me. (my sister got first dips though). So many people contributed, and I want to use their support well, so I’m going too, starting off first by giving all the thanks and glory to Jesus.
THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU FRIENDS AND FAMILY! and to all of you that I have no idea who you are, thank you.
I have an amazing team.
I have an amazing family.
And I will leave the 4th of January!!
