A quote I have had on my mirror or on my wall for SO long is "Happiness is based on Circumstances, but Joy is based on God." I LOVE THAT! It is SO true and has proven to be true in my life over and over again. It is ONLY with a relationship with God that one can experience joy even in the midst of tears and heartache. It is ONLY with God that I can honestly say, "Thank you, Lord, for the trials I face now and for whatever trials you have lovingly planned for my future." It is only with this joy that Job could literally lose everything that was of value to him and STILL fall on his face and worship God. I am FAR from being a "Job", but I long to have that kind of faith and perfect trust and TRUE joy!!
I don't always have an optimistic outlook on life (as I am sure you have read or even experienced one-on-one with me). But, I try to thrive in the moments that I am thinking positively and allow God to use those moments to shape me and REMIND me of who HE is. My life has changed in what many would say the worst of ways. Yet, God has not changed. He is the one thing in my life that will NEVER change...and for that I am SO thankful!! Yes, there are days that I would agree with some and say, "It's not fair. I didn't choose this. I hurt. I am lonely. This is hard. What were you thinking, God, allowing this to happen to me? Do you really think that I can handle this?" And yet, I can honestly say that I have NEVER thought that God made a mistake. His character has never changed through it all. As I stated in my speech at SHHS baccalaureate, "The day Rich Heyroth entered this world, God KNEW the day he would be leaving it as well." Because I live in an imperfect world, I have to live with suffering and imperfect circumstances that surround me. It must sadden my Lord's heart so greatly too. He desires the best for my life...I truly believe that; even when I don't always understand what that looks like or can even begin to grasp what the whole picture is all about. I CAN say that it is through the trials that I have grown a deeper appreciation for what it means to let God truly love me, FULLY love me. It has made me more aware of my needs and has pushed me to seek Him and ask for help. (Not exactly an area that is a strong point in my life.) Without trials, are we really able to experience the fullness of relying on God? I can say that I have never been so vulnerable or in desparate need as I have been through this trial in my life. I also know that I have an even greater appreciation for life each and every day.
Lord, I pray that I will consider it pure joy whenever I face trials of ANY kind and that you may be brought glory in my life!
James 1:2-4
Psalm 71:14-15
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
1 comment:
Wow! I had SO many people email me and mention they had heard "Blessed Be Your Name" on the radio this past week and had prayed that it would be true in my life. Then they read my blog and saw what I had written. Praise God for answering prayer!!
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