I have to be honest with you dear reader, because as I sat listening to Pastor Dean-o’s message on joy this past Sunday, I felt anything but joy in my heart.
It’s been a tough week, few weeks…maybe months at this point? And right now, my heart just feels heavy as I look at all the loss and heartache of everyone around me.
I know we are in the middle of the Christmas season, and we are supposed to put on a smile and talk about these good tidings of great joy…but what do you do when your heart feels low, and expressing joy is anything but possible?
People in our body are hurting, facing devastating loss, and trying to cope with big gaping holes in their heart. I just sat with a dear friend who is burying her mom on January 4th. It almost felt out of place to ask, “What are your plans for Christmas?”, knowing the weight she now has to bear.
Joy? How do we feel that joy…even in this?
Even when we are sitting there, trying our best to pick up the broken pieces?
There is only one thought that brings me comfort in moments like this…and it’s knowing that He is near.
Notice that when we pass through deep waters…He promises to be with us, to not let us drown (Isaiah 43:2).
When we face our enemies…He promises to go with us and never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
When we are called to be strong and courageous…He says He will be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).
When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death…He is with us, His rod and His staff will comfort us (Psalm 23:4).
Maybe the joy is in the nearness.
Maybe that’s where we truly experience that “...peace that surpasses all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7).
As you talk to hurting souls this week, and as you comfort your own hurting soul…remember and meditate on and wonder about the nearness of God. Because that’s where the joy is.
That is where the deep confidence resides that goes beyond any fleeting worldly happiness or burden. That’s where we experience His heart…to be near even on our darkest days.
We can trust and hold fast to the truth that even in the middle of those dark days, or even in the middle of the happiest days…He resides. He is near.
Maybe you will sit through these services on “joy” and feel that lonely ache in your heart…maybe you wish you could experience what is being preached, but it just feels too far away.
In those moments, don’t tune out the words being said. Don’t give up because joy hasn’t been felt for awhile. Instead, remember the nearness of our tender, thoughtful, loving and compassionate God.
Know that He will not leave you here forever. Remember the good blessings He has so carefully placed in your life. Tell your soul that He has been faithful in every season, and He will be faithful in this.
And as you pass through those deep waters, dark valleys, or come up against those big, tall giants — look around, and know He is near.
“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
It’s been a tough week, few weeks…maybe months at this point? And right now, my heart just feels heavy as I look at all the loss and heartache of everyone around me.
I know we are in the middle of the Christmas season, and we are supposed to put on a smile and talk about these good tidings of great joy…but what do you do when your heart feels low, and expressing joy is anything but possible?
People in our body are hurting, facing devastating loss, and trying to cope with big gaping holes in their heart. I just sat with a dear friend who is burying her mom on January 4th. It almost felt out of place to ask, “What are your plans for Christmas?”, knowing the weight she now has to bear.
Joy? How do we feel that joy…even in this?
Even when we are sitting there, trying our best to pick up the broken pieces?
There is only one thought that brings me comfort in moments like this…and it’s knowing that He is near.
Notice that when we pass through deep waters…He promises to be with us, to not let us drown (Isaiah 43:2).
When we face our enemies…He promises to go with us and never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
When we are called to be strong and courageous…He says He will be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).
When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death…He is with us, His rod and His staff will comfort us (Psalm 23:4).
Maybe the joy is in the nearness.
Maybe that’s where we truly experience that “...peace that surpasses all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7).
As you talk to hurting souls this week, and as you comfort your own hurting soul…remember and meditate on and wonder about the nearness of God. Because that’s where the joy is.
That is where the deep confidence resides that goes beyond any fleeting worldly happiness or burden. That’s where we experience His heart…to be near even on our darkest days.
We can trust and hold fast to the truth that even in the middle of those dark days, or even in the middle of the happiest days…He resides. He is near.
Maybe you will sit through these services on “joy” and feel that lonely ache in your heart…maybe you wish you could experience what is being preached, but it just feels too far away.
In those moments, don’t tune out the words being said. Don’t give up because joy hasn’t been felt for awhile. Instead, remember the nearness of our tender, thoughtful, loving and compassionate God.
Know that He will not leave you here forever. Remember the good blessings He has so carefully placed in your life. Tell your soul that He has been faithful in every season, and He will be faithful in this.
And as you pass through those deep waters, dark valleys, or come up against those big, tall giants — look around, and know He is near.
“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.