Our Hearts Rejoice

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

At one time or another, we all experience a sense of being overwhelmed by life. Whether by sickness, disappointment, loneliness, loss, or a host of other experiences that leave us shattered and questioning life and God’s purposes. We know on a cognizant level that this life is just a passing through. We are sojourners in a foreign land. We cling to the hope that one day we will be home in the physical presence of our Redeemer King. Yet, while we’re waiting, life can be hard.

Not long ago I found myself in a season of change. While driving home alone one evening, I began to audibly cry out to the Lord in a Psalm 18:6 fashion. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.” Suddenly, at the apex of my cries, for some unknown reason my iPhone activated SIRI, who apparently thought I was posing a question to her. SIRI chimed in and said, “It’s your party. You can cry if you want to.” Okay, so she was not the voice of God, but I did come away from that experience with a few observations (and a bit of a chuckle). 1) God always hears us – God is never too busy that He ignores your cries. Every detail of your life matters to your Father. “He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23). 2) We are never alone – God can (and does) meet us right where we are at. “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:6). 3) God has a sense of humor – We honor, fear and reverence the Lord, as well we should, but never doubt that our God delights in His children and provides moments of joy and laughter amid the struggle and strife. We are created in His image (Genesis 1:27). What an incredible mystery this is, that the very Creator of the universe would delight in creating us in His image and likeness. Never be afraid to pour out your heart to the Lord. He delights in you and longs to minister to you in your times of need. His name is the LORD–rejoice in His presence! (Psalm 68).

Prayer
In Jesus Name, we thank You, Heavenly Father, for the grace and freedom You provide. In confidence, with assurance, we know that You hear us, You care, and You are never too busy to listen to Your children; how our hearts rejoice. Amen.