Have you ever found yourself in a season that has felt like it’s never going to end? You’ve prayed and prayed, but it seems like nothing is changing. I’ve been there. It’s so easy to lose focus and forget that God has a plan and purpose. In those times, I look to scripture for answers, comfort, and God’s truths. The living word, given to us from a living God.
This season you’re in right now, it isn’t going to last forever. The dry season. The refocus season. The quiet season. The waiting season. The busy season. The test and trials season. Whatever season you are finding yourself in right now, find rest in knowing that joy is coming.
Psalm 30:5 says “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning”. This season of waiting that we seem to be in, God has given this perfect reminder that joy is coming. He’s also given us the opportunity during this time to redirect our attention to what is truly important.
I’m reminded of the story of Haggai and the armies of Babylon. The armies had destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. The king declared finally that the Jews could return to their beloved city and rebuild the temple. They were so excited. They were on top of the world, life couldn’t get much better….
Living in this victory, they went to work. They worked hard at first so grateful for what they had been given. Then they became distracted by their feelings of success. Soon they filled their time and lives with other things….they lost focus. Haggai was sent to help the people refocus. To redirect their attention to what was truly important.
The same thing happens to us, today we call those life’s responsibilities. You know the things that have to take precedence over everything else. Things like work, school, sports practices, games, the gym, social media, laundry, shopping. All the things that are THE MOST IMPORTANT things on our agenda for the day.. You get the picture, right?
You see, the pressures, demands, expectations and daily tasks push in from all sides. It seems that everyone wants something from us; and before you know it there is little time left to give. We run out of energy and time. We rush through life attending to the necessary and urgent and the most important is usually left in the dust.
I’ve learned to shift my focus from praying for this season of waiting to be over, to having a heart of gratitude for the time God is giving me to refocus on what is important to him, not just me. On the days when I’m discouraged and frustration takes over, I’m thankful for the reminder.. Joy is coming!