Friday, December 19, 2008

Hard Times

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

4 comments:

Faridah Zayla said...

Your blog is very nice and unique, i like it ! Hard time hard work

Melissa M. said...

Thanks, faridah!

Mrs. E said...

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

Melissa M. said...

Jen, thank you--I'm glad it was an encouragement!
Blessings to you, as well!