I woke up in a funk.
One day recently, it was hard to concentrate as I went through the motions of my quiet time. I was preoccupied and not much of the Word sank in.
The heavy stuff on the news-violence in the Middle East, dysfunction in Congress, and all the repercussions from the above-was enough, but I was wrestling and feeling the pain of a hurting friend; a problem with no easy way out of it.
My soul was heavy. Maybe you can identify?
I popped in my ear buds and grabbed my sunglasses to take my dog, Hank, for a walk. He knows the routine, and began grunting excitedly (does anyone else's dog grunt? It's like he's talking!...).
"Live worship" was my Spotify mix for the day. It was not a good day to listen to a podcast; I needed some worship music. As the bright sunlight warmed our skin (or fur) in the chilly air, the words thawed my heart.
It was the third song on the playlist that really grabbed me.
Firm Foundation (He Won't) from Maverick City Music got my full attention (click to listen; it's worth it). I found myself singing along:
"Rain came/wind blew/but my house was built on you."
Then these six words that shifted my perspective completely:
"I've still got joy in chaos."
I sensed a whisper from the Comforter, as if an extra line of lyrics was injected into the song:
"Joy is a choice, Doug."
It was the perfect exhortation-as if the Holy Spirit has any other kind-to jolt me back to Center.
And peace followed joy. I'm okay. I hope you are, too!
I felt prompted to share this, thinking that someone who's reading it needs the same encouragement today. Let me know if it's you, so we can rejoice together.
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Doug Clark is the National Field Director for NNYM and serves as Team Pastor for our staff. To connect with Doug, send him an email.