You know those days in which you don't feel like doing anything? (Please say yes.) Well, I had one a couple of days ago. I've never been very self-motivated, and I'm a procrastinator (another word for lazy). But this was worse than normal. I had a hard time prying myself from my computer chair and, shamefully, groaned when my mom told me to do something. This attitude stemmed from: first, my sinful nature--but was exacerbated by something I was worried about. Ironically, I was worried about my sin, and in the process was adding sin to sin.
We can't just wait to do something until we feel like it. But there should be a joy in serving, as we are servants of our wonderful Lord. However, sometimes we don't have the joy we should. What to do? Can we force joy into our hearts? No. But we can pray for God to change us, to give us joy. We can remind ourselves of God's goodness, forgiveness, and the reward awaiting us in heaven. We can sing hymns of thanksgiving. By God's grace, soon we'll be wondering why we were downcast in the first place.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. - Psalm 32:11
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. - Micah 7:7
Recommended reading: When I Don't Desire God - How to Fight for Joy
About Me
- Melissa M.
- I am a sinner saved only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. I am the youngest of eight and was homeschooled by my two wonderful parents all the way through high school. My dad went to be with the Lord in September of 2006, and his passing has left a gap, but we treasure his life's godly legacy. This blog is a place for me to share my learning experiences, but it will also (more often) chronicle various events in my life, book and movie reviews, and theological quotes. As for the title and verse on my blog? I am not the excellent seamstress that this may imply, and clothing is not my focus, but I do aspire to follow God's Word and plan for womanhood. I liked the sound of this verse and thought it would lend to a good header, and I originally thought I would be doing more sewing projects to share! :) But life whirls by, and there is much more to learn than just sewing. I want to have the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman, which seems to be a woman of industry, quality, and care--God help me to so become!
My Zazzle Shop
Field And Forest Studio
My Handmade Necklaces
Tyndale Rewards
My Sheet Music
My Sister's Sheet Music
Mending Memories
A Beautiful Blog
"Home is the grandest of all institutions." - Charles H. Spurgeon
"Reading a great work of literature can truly be likened to having a conversation with a great mind." -Jennie Chancey
"The career of motherhood and homemaking is beyond value and needs no justification. It's importance is incalculable." - Katherine Short
"No occupation in this world is more trying to soul and body than the care of young children. What patience and wisdom, skill and unlimited love it calls for. God gave the work to mothers and furnished them for it, and they cannot shirk it and be guiltless." - Isabella Alden with Mrs. C. M. Livingston, Diverse Women
"We are women, and my plea is Let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is." -Elisabeth Elliot
“Why do women want to dress like men when they’re fortunate enough to be women? Why lose femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get more accomplished by being charming than we would be flaunting around in pants and smoking. I’m very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error…" -Tasha Tudor
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. - Proverbs 31:30
"I am convinced that the influence of an army of godly women will be incalculable--in our homes, our churches, and our culture. Will you be one of those women?" -Nancy Leigh DeMoss
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. -Proverbs 31:13
"If we had no Winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -Anne Bradstreet
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24
"A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches." -Proverbs 11:16
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. -Genesis 2:18
"To nourish children and raise them against odds is in any time, any place, more valuable than to fix bolts in cars or design nuclear weapons." -Marilyn French
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. -Proverbs 31:27-29
My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary. -Martin Luther
Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul. -J. S. Bach
A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. -Leopold Stokowski
"If I could give you information of my life it would be to show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything." -Florence Nightingale
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Phillipians 4:8
4 comments:
Your blog is very nice and unique, i like it ! Hard time hard work
Thanks, faridah!
Melissa,
Thanks for sharing your heart! I indeed can relate to the sin of laziness and the constant struggle with the flesh! I really liked when you said... "Can we force joy into our hearts? No. But we can pray for God to change us, to give us joy. "
This is so true..... the only way we can conform to new obedience is by calling on Christ, for without him we would be incapable of it!
Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement in this post!
Many Blessings,
Miss Jen
Jen, thank you--I'm glad it was an encouragement!
Blessings to you, as well!
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