You took off my sackcloth and
clothed me with gladness”
Psalm 30:12
It
was a terrible way to start a year but even then, in a state of sadness,
confusion and heartache, I knew that my Jesus would make a bleak start to a
year into something glorious. I knew my
Jesus would turn my mourning into dancing.
I
knew that because Jesus makes all things new. Our Savior triumphed over a
bleak Friday afternoon where he was stripped naked, scourged, mocked, insulted,
abandoned by many of his closest friends and crucified. He transformed agony,
humiliation, misery and death into an incredible resurrection and became a
gateway to heaven for all who love him. For the past two thousand years and
into eternity, he will be continuously praised and glorified for his great
victory over death and sin. His mourning became dancing, not just for himself
but for countless others.
Because
of him, we have no reason to dwell in misery. He will change our sorrows into
joy…if we only choose to turn to him.
Knowing the security of the divine
lover of my soul:
After
the end of a relationship I thought would last forever, I relied more heavily on Christ, the one man who would never leave me.
I used my free time to read Scripture. I somehow stumbled onto Whole
Magazine on Facebook and began receiving daily inspiration from incredible
women. I clung to him like never
before and came to know him as the only person I should trust in completely;
the only person who is infallible and unfailing in his devotion to me. My heart
now sings the song of Psalm 16: 8-11:
“I
keep the Lord always before me;
With the Lord at my right, I shall never be
shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, my soul
rejoices;
My body also dwells secure,
For you will not abandon me to Sheol,
Nor let your faithful servant see the pit.
You will show me the path to life;
Abounding joy in your presence,
The delights at your right hand forever”
Diving deeper into “Pure and
Undefiled Religion” to share his joy with others
“Religion that is pure and
undefiled before God and the Father is this: To care for orphans and widows in
their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27)
Without
a boyfriend, I had more free time than before so I choose to double my
volunteer efforts at the children’s home that had captured my heart. Rather
than volunteer one afternoon a week, I decided to visit the home twice a week.
I helped to arrange fun outings for all the kids and volunteers. Between
helping with homework, practicing letters and numbers, playing with puzzles and
coloring books, singing songs praising God, parting arguments and giving out
kisses and hugs to precious orphans, I got lots of love, kisses and hugs in
return and I can honestly say that I
have found more joy than I have ever
known.
He
turned my mourning into dancing…and enabled me to share his joy with others.
He makes all things new
“Behold, God’s dwelling is
with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and
God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear
from their eyes and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,
for the old order has passed away. The one who sat on the throne said “Behold,
I make all things new.” Then he said “Write these words down, for they are
trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:4-5
Ladies,
no matter what you are going through, Jesus is here to turn your mourning into
dancing. Whatever has caused you grief is nothing compared to the unfathomable power of our Savior to
transform your pain into joy.
Whether
the source of your heartache is betrayal, abuse, illness, abandonment,
loneliness, unemployment or financial struggles, Jesus cannot only heal your
heart but make you happier than ever and give you opportunities to bring his
joy to others.
Turn to him right now. Come to know him through
prayer and scripture. Turn away from your sins and obey his every command. Ask
him how he wants you to serve him. Seek ways to bring love, hope and joy to
others. As you can read in Revelation 21, he assures us that he will wipe away
all of our tears, heartache and pain and make all things new.
To
get started on this journey to healing and get ready to put on your dancing
shoes, I invite you to pray as follows:
Dear Jesus, you know my
heart and you know the cause of my sufferings. You understand the pain I feel
and you have deep compassion for me. I believe that you are here for me and you
want to heal me and turn my life around. I believe that you will turn my
mourning into dancing.
Jesus, teach my heart to
trust in you completely and come to know you as my Rock. Help me to use this
time of mourning to draw closer to you and experience the transformation of my
heart.
Jesus, I praise you for
the power of your love. I know that you will wipe away my tears and give me joy
and peace that I can share with others. Show me how you want me to serve you
and give me opportunities to bring hope and consolation to those less
fortunate.
Jesus, I place my heart
into your hands. I am forever yours.
Amen.
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