Embracing Life's Happy & Sad's

We first learned about Happy and Sad when we were having a meal with our son Judah, daughter-in-law Angela, and our grandkids. Each day at dinner our grandchildren, along with their parents, share their happy moment for the day and also share a sad moment, whether it be a big thing or a little thing. I realized that we all have our own happy and sad, but most likely we keep it within ourselves and fail to express it.

When I look back on my journey, my Sad was finding out that it was much easier to pursue the things that I wanted than to be in pursuit of God. My world of activities and preoccupations were not bad, in and of themselves. I guess I always thought, when I get this or that activity finally finished, then I can slow down, and focus more on spiritual realities.

This may appear to be a paradox, but my Happy is having a strong relationship with the LORD, and finding delight in Him. I have enjoyed a relationship with God that has always been more like a friendship. This very personal relationship has given me the grace to love and experience the fullness of His joy.

Many years ago, while preaching at The Home Church, God spoke to me through the words of CS Lewis. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

No matter the depth of your Sad, or the liberating joy of your Happy, know for certain that you can always run to God. He doesn't tire of us when we are too busy for Him and delights when we seek to be with Him.

Pastor Mike

Psalms 119:75 reminds me that, “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”