"GENESIS 1:1 ~ In the beginning God created… at the BEGINNING of this New Year, what is God wanting to CREATE in me?"This is what our Senior Pastor asked us this past Sunday. (You can find PASTOR RUSTY'S blog post on this subject HERE!)
I thought Genesis 1:1 was very appropriate to reflect upon as we begin another year. God is our Creator and in us there are things that He desires to create. But often times, our flesh and our weakness does not allow it.
I don't know about you, but in the new year of 2009, I want God to create in me some new things. Maybe not brand "new" but "new" in the sense of rebirth, renewal, re-energized. I desire for some things to be RE-CREATED in me that I have lost sight of.
Some of you have had a year like I have had. One with disappointment, frustration, sorrow, and sickness. When a person is suffering from a long term illness or sickness - it is discouraging and tiring.
-you get tired of the pain
-you feel discouraged by the doctors report
-you get tired of the mounting medical bills
-you feel discouraged that your life is not the same
One of the things that God is creating (or RE-CREATING) in me is the spirit of Joy. Because of the above mentioned discouragement, the enemy has stolen some of my joy this past year. As I suffered in pain daily or wondered how the medical bills would be paid - I found myself to be in a state of intensity most of the time.
In the book of Proverbs, it says: "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance." (found in Prov. 15:13). How do you cling to the precious gift of laughter when you feel the pains of aging or the heartache of tragedy?
I had forgotten that laughter is a blessing with deep roots. If we could just dig down a little, we will discover the joy of the Lord that trials and tribulations has buried.
God RE-CREATE in me an attitude of joy!
PROVERBS 31:25 " Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future."
God blesses us with laughter at an early age. It is a very human trait - all children laugh. Laughter is good for us, physically and emotionally. It provides a healthy way to relieve stress and it produces a wholesome sense of well-being. Those who are wise - cherish the gift of laughter, they carry it from youth into adulthood, and nurture it along the way.
Earlier today, I was at work and talking with a friend and I found myself laughing.
Really laughing.
I can't think of the last time I laughed like that.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
When is the last time you have laughed?
WHAT HAS THE ENEMY STOLEN FROM YOU?
Ask God to RE-CREATE in you what has been lost.
and that is a piece of my heart today!
That is a great thought. In the beginning...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Rusty's Challenge and I pray it is a great year of JOY of health for you.
I also loved his sermon yesterday and he carried it over into Sunday School for us in our marriages...it was a hit on my site today too.
ReplyDeleteI love your post...we all need to re-create joy from time to time...I know, I do and laughter is something I don't do enough. I desire to laugh more in 2009.
Thanks for sharing a piece of your heart...it is such a sweet, wonderful heart!
Love you!
Jenn
That was great Laurie. I love laughter and am blessed to be around such silly people who make me giggle. The "Not Me Monday" posts normally add to my joy. But there is nothing like the joy of the Lord -- a joy from the inside out!
ReplyDeleteMay His joy bubble out of your belly!
Love to you,
Beth
as usual ~i loved your post.
ReplyDeleteyou are so faithful and diligent in your blog ministry. you always speak to my heart!
bless you!
dorinda
Laurie, what a blessing your post was to me. I'm inspired to be re-created and to be a blessing whether I'm at home or a visitor. Thanks so much for your encouragement. Your wisdom is far-reaching, my friend, and thank you for sharing the pieces of your heart with us.
ReplyDelete