December 12, 2007
I Hope You Dance
Today’s Truth
John
Friend to Friend
Jesus lived and died so that we can experience abundant life! “Abundant” literally means “going beyond; full or exuberant”. In other words, life should be saturated - not punctuated - with joy. Yet, we postpone joy.
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another baby. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.
We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we get that promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we retire.
The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges, dark times and trials. Understand and accept the fact that we live in a broken world but also accept that fact that because God lives, we can choose to be happy anyway. Treasure every moment that you have and remember that time waits for no one.
Stop waiting…
…until your car or home is paid off
…until you get a new car or home
…until your kids leave the house
…until you go back to school
…until you finish school
…until you lose 10 lbs.
…until you gain 10 lbs.
…until you get married
…until you have kids
…until you retire
…until summer
…until spring
…until winter
…until fall
…until you die
Someone once said, “There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt. And dance like no one's watching.”
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for life – here and eternally. Thank You for the beauty of each moment, for the simplicity of the ordinary and for the small wonders that each day holds. Help me to become a woman of joy. Help me to be a vessel through which You can love others and a guide to help them see You as their only hope, their only source of true joy. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
- What areas of your life are on hold because you are waiting for “it” to happen?
- What dreams have you discarded for fear that they will never be realized?
- Do you see God as the only source of joy in your life?
- Identify and eliminate the “joy-stealers” at work in your life.
- What steps do you need to take in order to become a woman of joy?
More from the Girlfriends
Sharon, Gwen and I want to encourage you and dance with you! This morning, during our worship service, I glanced over to see a beautiful little three-year-old girl dancing in the aisle as our worship team led us in praise. And I thought…wouldn’t it be wonderful to be that free to praise God and dance before Him? Well, let’s dance, girlfriend.
Is holiday stress getting you down? My book, Escaping the Stress Trap, might be just what you need to guide you through a more joy-filled and peaceful holiday season.
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Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Originally published Wednesday, 12 December 2007.
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