Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Joy in Any Season

Posted on By jennifer

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10b

I have included this verse several times in my posts.  I quote it often.  Yes, it is one of my favorites…to be sure.  All Christ did and all He does is so we might live the abundant life….and that “our joy might be full.” (John 15:11b)  An abundant life is full of joy. 

Then, why oh why do I (too) often feel joyless?  No doubt there are many answers to that question, and blog posts that could be written for months to unravel the answer.  I have been reading about, studying, and meditating on joy in my morning devotions.  My joy often seems especially lacking during the winter months… and  I know that seasonal depression is a real thing.  I struggle. But I also know these verses are true in any season. Winter.  Summer.  Busy seasons.  Long, quiet days.

There are no simple answers.  No one size fits all solution.  But I do know, as Christians, we face the same enemy.  Satan.  And He desperately wants to rob us of all joy.  He would love to steal our eternity – our home in Heaven.  But he cannot, so he will stop at nothing to ruin our joy until we get there.  So often, we think our enemy is “out for” our marriages, our children, our homes, finances or health.  And, yes, he would love to see them ruined.  But, truthfully, he wants to work through our homes, our health and relationships in order to steal our joy.

Another verse I have been using often is Nehemiah 8:10b….“neither be ye sorry (grieved, depressed); for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  I am able to fight against the devil.  Of course, there can be times and situations where counseling or medical help is needed.  It might be we simply need to reach out and invite someone to support us along the way.  Many times, being still with our savior – sharing our heart and then listening for His voice –  is what we need to pull back the shadows.  Whatever it takes, we have the strength we need.  Strength to dismiss the enemy.  Strength to keep fighting for the joy that He has promised.

Spring is coming – just as it always does.  Just as God faithfully brings the seasons…He is faithful to meet us where we are.  To supply our need and to strengthen us.  And to restore our joy – and not just any joy….but abundant joy!!

Thanking the Lord for His rich mercies:

“They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”  Lamentation 3:23

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