“Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!” (Psalm 32:11)
For nearly half a year I balked at the idea of hosting a weekend getaway for businesswomen. After all, I reasoned, it wasn’t my idea. I don’t really need anything else on my plate. Besides, I haven’t a clue how to network and advertise.
All along, I knew my attitude was wrong. If God had truly planted the idea in my head, then my only recourse was to do it, right? If only it was that easy.
My joy started to dissipate when September arrived without my reserving a venue for the weekend that I knew must be held in February 2012. I began descending into a dark place spiritually. My Bible reading turned to dust. “I’ve never experienced a desert of the soul like this,” I told my husband one day. “I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“You know exactly what’s wrong,” whispered a quiet voice within. “You’re not doing what you know to be right.”
Ouch!
The message convicted me. I wrote a deposit check and sent it to the venue of choice. My joy returned. And I began making serious plans. Long story short, the businesswomen’s weekend getaway happened last weekend. Three dozen women showed up, some from nine hours’ drive away. We laughed, played board games, ziplined, went tubing, enjoyed spa treatments, and learned strategies for overcoming hurdles in life. Judging by the comments, it was a great success. I look forward to it being an annual event.
I think back over the weekend getaway and the long process of the soul leading up to it, and I understand the truth of Psalm 32:11. Obeying what God asks us to do results in joy. The process might involve hard work and personal sacrifice, but ultimately there’s sheer gladness in knowing there’s nothing hindering relationship with Him. Next time I won’t dilly-dally around before saying yes!
Can you relate? Is your heart pure before God? Are you experiencing the gladness that comes from doing what He’s asked you to do?
Hi there Grace! I met you in Meadow Lake quite some time ago. I enjoy reading your blogs. I’m not sure if you’d be interested, but I’ve been blogging again about my life with bipolar disorder. This Thursday we are celebrating my 10 Anniversary of having a liver transplant. I have been contemplating possibly making it into a book, not sure though. It’s amazing how much response I’ve been getting from those who are or have struggled with severe depression. Thank the Lord, He has allowed me to walk alongside others, which for some has prevented them from trying to take their lives. I’d appreciate your feed back if you have time.
Also, my husband is presently a Vice President of a Pulp and Paper Company based out of Richmond. He feels that the Lord doesn’t want him to stay there, but is contemplating perhaps going into some kind of minstry or missionary work. He presently works for a family that is in the top 10 wealthiest families on earth! He has been in upper management for almost 20 years; let me know if any ideas might pop into your head! We’re looking for opportunities the Lord might open up for us. Thank you.
Hi Wendy. Thanks for your email. I’ve read some of your blog posts — thank you for your honesty. I’m sure it will benefit others struggling with the same issues. I’ll respond to questions directly to your email. Blessings!