ForgottenWoman

But not sad

This past week, I’ve had the opportunity to share and speak with dozens of people on the subject of pain, difficult life situations, wounds, discouragement, depression, grief… and the reality of navigating and walking with these aspects of life without losing the joy that Christ gives.

In this world, there is no way for any of us to find a detour around sickness, death, broken relationships, abuse, trauma, hurt inflicted by others, financial struggles, grief, and other experiences that wound us – sometimes leaving deep wounds and/or scars. We just don’t get to choose to skip out on it. But the answer is not a pat, “Christians are supposed to be joyful, so always answer, ‘I’m blessed!’” or ‘” I’m fine,” when asked, or only post on social media when everything feels perfect. Anyone who has lived more than 20 years knows that your life is not always perfect simply because you are a believer. In refusing to be transparent and honest about your struggles – well, you’re losing credibility with those who not only know you have hurts just like them, but you aren’t offering them the hope that you do have when they are facing their own very real pain.

We don’t have the joy of Christ because our salvation frees us from all of life’s negative experiences. We have the joy of Christ because in those life experiences we have hope to cling to, we have a Father Who invites us to openly give him those hurts, we have a Savior Who loves us so much that He shed his own blood for us, we have an advocate with the Father Who hears us and forgives us when we fail, and we have the Holy Spirit Who promises to guide us and give us direction when we cannot see our way clearly.

The truth is that sometimes life really stinks. Sometimes we feel deeply the pain of loss, and sometimes we feel battered by the actions or words of others. There are even days when we feel abandoned by everyone with skin on… It’s just part of this journey. But… it is absolutely possible to have a constant flame of joy that is burning deep inside because when life stinks; we know that we know that we know that God can carry us through the deep waters and when we get on the other side of the pain that we feel in the moment; we will have grown closer to Him because He never let go of us and we chose to cling to Him. He says, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you!”

If you are with me on social media, then you know that I do share openly when I’m struggling – and it is for one reason. Transparency. I want you to know that though there are hard days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, life, though stinky at times, is a beautiful gift, and my light will not go out – because it is fueled by my faith that cannot be shaken.

It’s a funny thing – this ability to share our lives with one another. We choose for what purpose we do so. My purpose is eternal. I want all who follow me to know my Savior. I want you to know that He loves you and He is enough, no matter what life throws at you. I want them to know that when they walk through the deepest waters, they will not be overwhelmed! Joy – real joy comes from walking with Him – not from our good or bad days.

Have a wonderful weekend! If you have not yet checked out my brand new book, please do so on Amazon. The supplemented version will be available on this link by Sunday. https://a.co/d/dvclRtH

Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength.