Can’t Find It…

My joy, I have misplaced my joy somewhere, and I can’t find it!

I haven’t been visiting Sunshine these past couple of weeks because I would have felt like a phony! I have been grumpy, unsettled, and haunted weirdly, as though I can’t sit still but have no desire to move either!

I have been in constant prayer and seeking the Lord’s wisdom, the Holy Spirit, to sweep in and sweep it away! I have been missing Sunshine and praying about that as well, and the Lord revealed in my spirit last night that it’s ok and even healthy to say I’m not ok right now!

We are flesh and blood; we are human beans, even as Christians…we feel…we aren’t robots.

Christmas is such a beautiful time, and we are all instructed to go home for the holidays; the crunching of snow, the twinkling of lights, pumpkin pie, and presents! How the melodies make it sound so perfect.

BUT…

What about some who can’t go or come home? What about the parents who don’t have enough? What about those who have lost dear ones and silently mourn? The heartbroken, those who have lost hope. What about the ones living outside in tents? What about those with family they can’t talk to but still think of from time to time? What about those without food in the pantry or even a filled grocery bag? The lonely, scared, lost and alone?

No tree, no twinkling lights, No fire in the fireplace!

Our world is dire, but I suspect it always has been. The need is much; evil runs rampant, and I am sad.

Do I sit and dwell? I try not to! I turn my heart, thoughts, cares, and trials over to the Lord! I recognize the place I am in and am working and praying my way through it!

I am blessed with much, so when these feelings of shadows and sadness cling like a damp fog, I feel guilty because so many have so little, and I don’t feel I deserve the right to feel down! That’s a lie, and I must not allow myself to believe it, nor shall I allow myself to wallow!

1 Timothy 4:10 ESV “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the loving God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

Isaiah 9:6 ESV “For to us a child is born, unto us a son, is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Philippians 4:7 ESV “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Dear Lord Our Father God,

I bow before you this morning , heavy in heart and spirit. The ways of the world and people are so hard and hurtful. Please forgive me for the ones I hurt and have hurt. Please send your comforter to those of us who are hurting, and need the comfort of your love, warmth, and promises. In the most beautiful of holidays, as we celebrate the birth of your son and life eternal, please help us to notice those in need, those who need a bit of comfort, a kind word, a smile. Let us be that smile Lord. In your glorious name, Lord Jesus, fill our hearts that we have so much of you inside that it overflows and spills onto everyone we meet! With humble Thanksgiving I pray. Amen