Praying for Joy

As many of you know, I started a new job a few months ago. I work in social services, working with people to find them needed assistance with problems they are having. And let me just tell you: my job is HARD. Yesterday, I spoke with 75 different people. That's 75 hurting, broken, and needy people. Quite frankly, it drains the life out of me sometimes.

I got to the point where I was dreading going into work every day. I'm sure that many of you have been/are currently right there with me. It's tough down in the trenches. But let me tell you something so awesome. Every single morning, during my time with Jesus, I have prayed that I might find joy in my job. And every single morning, he has answered my prayer. Every. Single. Morning.

Now, don't get me wrong; my job is still hard. And I still struggle going into work. But when I am there, I have contentment. I have joy that I can't understand or explain other than I asked God for it and he gave it to me. And it isn't always just a quick prayer in passing. There are mornings where I am on my knees, crying out to Him from the depths of my hurting heart. I have had to wholly lean into and rely on Him. But I fully believe and have experienced that when you do that, you experience a beautiful, sweet dependency. And when you reach that point, your Heavenly Father delights in providing for you.

So, do you need joy today? Ask for it expectantly. And watch God do incredible things. He may not change your circumstance, but He will certainly change your heart.

"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." -Nehemiah 1:11

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