Joy: 37-Day DevotionalSample

My first six years of marriage were a whirlwind of bleacher seats, late suppers, and travel-sized toiletries. While my husband played professional baseball and signed autographs daily, I avoided using pens. Our plans could and did change too frequently to be written in ink. 

During that time, I prayed for home runs, call-ups, and for God to protect our family. Our faithful Lord provided… In His way.

You see, even in a land of seemingly plenty, our souls can be parched. Yet, He will not forsake us. The Good Shepherd will not abandon His sheep. 

I’ll never forget washing my baby’s bottle in the hotel sink. We had just moved “home base” for our family for the fifth time in three months. I was exhausted and frustrated, and Wade called to tell me to start packing again. Tears raced down my cheeks as suds ran down the bottle, and I felt the Lord drawing me into His gentle arms. I heard Him whisper to my heart, “Am I not enough?” 

After being delivered from Egypt, the Israelites were led to the desert where they muttered and moaned to Moses, and grumbled against God. Even still, this same wilderness was where God provided for their every need: food, protection, and more. 

The Minor League lifestyle is its own sort of wilderness, as can be motherhood, empty-nesting, infertility, losing parents, losing children, or losing jobs. But when delight is dehydrated, who walks with us and provides for our needs?

He does. The Living Water. Our Joy, Hope, and Love. He will lead us through the wilderness just as He led Israel. With eyes wide open, we see how completely He fulfils our every need and the pure desires of our hearts. 

Instead of grumbling the next time you experience a drought, look up. His love and compassion fall like merciful rain. 

Dear Lord, thank You for caring for us through the droughts of life. You are the Living Water which satisfies our parched souls. Forgive us for any grumbling, and may we never forget that it is You who is pure joy. Blessed be God forever, amen.