Joy

There are times where I need to stop and preach the gospel to myself.

There are times where life is hard and I don't know what is happening.

There are times when I just want to give up - on everything.

There are days that I want to stay in bed and forget all of the world.

There are moments where I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs.

There are hours where I feel like I'm living underwater.

There are so many things that are overwhelming me.

But then, I stop.

I breathe.

I remember who I really am and how great of a savior God has been.

You see, I'm learning to have joy in hard times.

I'm not talking emotional "happy happy" kind of joy.

I'm talking about joy in the gospel.

That is real joy.

That is what remains when everything else is stripped away.

And, as painful as it is, I'm thankful.

I'm thankful because Christ has made pardon for me at the cross.

He rose again on the 3rd day to break the curse of death.

He intercedes for me continuously before the Father.

I have been given mercy and lovingkindness far surpassing anything that I could ever hope, dream, or comprehend.

These are the thoughts that need to saturate and calm my worried mind.

Psalm 73:28

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;

I have made the Lord God my refuge,

that I may tell of all your works."