Choosing joy through tears is hard.

But choosing joy through tears is what comes of turning to the God from whom true joy is derived.

We may derive happiness from people.

But people will disappoint us, wound us at times.

We may derive some level of satisfaction from experiences.

But experiences are temporary.

We may derive some fulfillment from a success.

But we will always be looking for the next achievement.

And when tears come from the words or actions of another,

When our experiences are few or not what we would want,

When our successes feel mundane,

When the enemy of our souls tempts us to feel defeated,

Will we run to broken cisterns?

Will we choose anything and everything over His ways, His joy, His satisfaction?

Will we seek Him, intentionally redirecting our thoughts and concerns, asking for a thankful heart that promotes truth and peace, regardless?

Will we distract ourselves with thoughts and choices that leave us restless?

And when we find ourselves in that place where joy is seemingly elusive,

Will we redirect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus?

Will we remember that, for those in Christ, the hard things can and will be redeemed for His glory and our good?

Will we set our minds on things above not on earthly things even through what hurts or what doesn’t satisfy?

Will we quiet the noise, run from the distractions, and rest in His grace?

Times of refreshing come from repentance and that rest.

May we be refreshed…even as we weep!

“Oh Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry for help…let all who take refuge in You be glad. Let them ever sing for joy…” (Psalm 5:1-2, 11)