“Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound” (Psalms 4:6, 7).
Who gives you the most joy? Your children, husband or friends? Do you find joy in your occupation? Do you delight in your business or home? In providing for your family? Life offers many joys and I am grateful for all of them. Still, there are times when discouragement and depression come. It happens to all of us.
Our husbands are preoccupied. Business takes a downward turn. The house needs repair and we don’t have the money to fix it. The children want expensive things. Disappointment in people and anxiety about the future can make joy run out the door. How can we get it back again?
First of all, realize that people will never be perfect. No one can ever meet all your expectations. Then, realize that all jobs have their ups and downs. Understand that your true source of joy is the Lord. Only He can love us perfectly, and only He never disappoints us.
More than people or big parties or lots of food, the Lord is our source of joy. Not only does God provide joy in the midst of hard times, but He also provides rest. The psalmist David says: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (verse 8).
God truly is the source of the most joy.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
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