Permission to Enjoy

I was visiting on the phone with a friend yesterday and we were comparing notes from our stress filled lives. Don't think we were having a pity party, we were not. We were actually talking about various strategies we could use to help us cope with the stress that life has presented us. Our conversation was more along the line of finding the best way to deal and keep our attitudes in good shape without being overcome by things like depression. We finally decided that we needed our joy restored - even in the midst of the storms we are facing.

We all know how demanding and strenuous the life of a caregiver can be; and sometimes it can simply be overwhelming. No matter what type of event caused us to become caregivers, it was likely traumatic. For me it was a phone call announcing the automobile accident my adult son was involved in. Even though it's been over 5 years, it can seem disrespectful to enjoy life, or even to laugh. But lately I have given myself permission to laugh, permission to "go on" and enjoy life as much as is possible.

My friend and I prayed that our joy would be restored and that we would be able to enjoy life even in its discomforts. Two scriptures came to my mind almost immediately. I thought of Psalm 51:12 in which David prayed that the Lord would restore the joy of salvation. But my mind also went to Romans 15:13 in which Paul prays this for the Roman Christians: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(NASB)

The funny thing is that these are scriptures I prayed over my son for several years until I saw God restore him to Himself. And now my soul is crying out for my soul to see its joy restored - in Him. One conclusion my friend and I came to is that God keeps our soul. No matter what happens as life plays out before us - nothing can harm our soul. Because of  this - I can rejoice in the power of His salvation!

No matter what we may be facing today our soul is secure in Him. My meditation this week will be on being hidden in Him and allowing Him to restore my joy. I will give myself permission to laugh and live again. Today my prayer will be that He will fill me with all joy and peace in believing -- will you join me?

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