A Gift of Energy

Tonight I felt a surge of energy and joy, like I was almost weightless, not bogged down and tired as I often am.  I felt as if I could do fifty push-ups, a hundred jumping jacks, and sing a dozen songs.

I don't know why it came--was it the Clif bar I ate, the part of a sermon we listened to from our elder about our incorruptible inheritance, the songs we sang ("O God, Our Help in Ages Past" and "All Things Shall Perish; Thou Dost Remain") the creative things I'd been looking at online, someone praying for me, a combination of all of them--or an unrelated gift from God?  I don't know, though I do know the sermon and songs lifted my spirits.

In any case, I'm thankful for it.  Yes, it came at ten-o'clock at night, but I'll take that.  It made washing dishes easier (I was singing "We're Walking in the Air," ha).

Good night, everyone, and may God give you all the strength you need to carry on.  His grace is sufficient, even for the hardest, most trying circumstances!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Thought-Provoking Quote

"If your heart takes more pleasure in reading novels, or watching TV, or going to the movies, or talking to friends, rather than just sitting alone with God and embracing Him, sharing His cares and His burdens, weeping and rejoicing with Him, then how are you going to handle forever and ever in His presence? You’d be bored to tears in heaven, if you’re not ecstatic about God now!" — Keith Green

I saw that on another blog, and I have to stop and think about that one. Is my heart more joyful in the Lord, or in things like movies and blogging and reading novels? That is a tough one to answer...though I think there is a deeper joy for me when I truly meditate on the Lord and His goodness. But I so often seek after what is not bread, thinking it will fill me. Perhaps it fills me, but with the kind of food that gives a pleasant sensation, but a stomach ache or emptiness in the end. Perhaps I need a break from the internet, and a retreat into the beauties of the Lord!

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