In a moment of despair, I was surprised by joy
On the way to the gym recently, I decided it was time for a divine complaint session. I laid out my grievances before the Lord. Out loud.
My whining can basically be summarized in one sentence: “Where is the joy you’ve promised me?”
Have you ever been desperate for joy after an extended time of waiting, suffering or grief? Without this simple little emotion, life can become drudgery. Waiting becomes harder; things like bitterness can take root.
For me, joy has been elusive as I’ve journeyed through deep griefs over the past several years. But yesterday, after that prayer, within the span of a few hours, our gracious Father answered me.
I received encouragement from three separate people. They don’t know each other. They’re as disconnected as you can get – one’s on the West coast, another is in Texas, another lives minutes from my house here in Kentucky. Their texts and emails were “out of the blue.”
Then, one of my adult children and I grabbed dinner together. I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in a while. Friendship with grown-up children is such a sweet thing.
I had no idea God would answer my demanding prayer in the car. In a way, through my tearful, indignant words, I felt I was insulting him. Even pushing him away.
But in his own loving way, he actually came nearer. And not only that, he stirred up four of his own children to encourage me, which the Holy Spirit fanned into a warm flame.
I went to bed full. I’m still basking in unexpected joy this morning. I know I’ll revert into more moments of despair sometime soon. But with the Spirit’s help, I won’t forget this gracious answer.
I hope my experience spreads unexpected encouragement into your own day, wherever you may find yourself – whether you’re waiting, despairing, grieving, stressing or just living.
Let’s remember, you and me, that our Lord is listening, and he answers.
Joyfully,
Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
Now coaching founders, CEOs and ministry leaders: https://lnkd.in/gEdm2gqJ
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