Relying on God's Strength for Joy

I think I can be honest with how I'm feeling right? As a Christian and as especially as a pastor, we have this mindset sometimes that we need to have it all together all the time. Where did this false notion come from? Where in the Bible does it say we need to make people think we are always alright? When I read the Bible I see real people, displaying their real emotions to God. The books of Psalms and Lamentations come to mind right away. I think about Jesus on the cross, pleading with God, "Why have you forsaken me?" In front of the entire world, Jesus was being real with God.

I think it's ok to be real. It allows people to see that you're not perfect. It allows people to see that on Jesus Christ is perfect and only through Him can we do anything. It allows people to faithfully pray for you, and lovingly support you.

I came across this passage today:

Psalm 126
1 A song of ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.


This is what my family and I need from God this week: 1) To fill our mouths with laughter, 2) To fill our tongues with songs of joy, 3) To restore our fortunes, 4) To take our tears and weeping and turn them into songs of joy.

"The Lord has done great things for them." May that always be on my mind, may that always be on your mind even though sometimes it may not seem that way.