Reconnecting

I woke up yesterday depressed. Then my depression led to frustration because I remebered during my fast on the 1st that I prayed for renewed strength and encouragement. My depression was due to my weariness toward the continuous battles I have been facing. I should also say that there have been victories along the way...just short lived.

Because I know that I am in my promise land I have to keep going back to the story of Joshua. There were so many obstacles the Israelites had to defeat before they could really enjoy their promise. And though God gave them victory and they won many battles, the reality that they still had to GO AND FACE THE ENEMY IN BATTLE still remainded.

So when I talked with Barbara yesterday morning, trying to pull on her joy because I couldn't fine mine, she reminded me to look within myself. I am not going to find it in what's happening around me...happiness is attached to the happenings. Joy is different and it is not the absence of trouble. I did what Barbara suggested and went to find scriptures about joy in a different translation than what I am used to.

I found 1 Thess. 1:5-6 (The Message Bible)
5 When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.
6 and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! - taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.

I had to go and read the whole chapter and that WORD really blessed me this morning. It reminded me that I am a light to others...Barbara even reminded me of that a few days ago :)
Please take some time to read this chapter of 1 Thessalonians and you will see what I mean.

I am going to keep that prayer that was posted on September 2nd Colossians 1:9b, 11 - 12.
I ask that you please pray for me. Specifically pray that I remember that my joy is in me because the Holy Spirit is in me and I can take joy from the Holy Spirit.
Also, I am about to go through a tight financial season to sell my home in Lithonia, GA. Please pray that God helps me and those working with me to see my way clearly through this process and that I come out on the other side better off financially than when I came in.
Finally, please pray that these fibroids melt away and my uterus is healthy and normal. I started my healing regimen of vitamines and herbs and natural foods two weeks ago. I am praying that we see progress at the end of this first three months. I am looking forward to giving you all a praise report in the near future.

I know that my ladies in my prayer circle can get a prayer through. I appreciate what we all have brought to each other's lives through this blog. And I renew my commitment to stay connected.
Thanks for your prayers!

Taliah