When the Mind Wages War: Finding Joy in Fellowship

The day proved to be a remarkable, bustling, and fruitful one for me. As I drove to our church gathering this morning, where the ladies and I were to diligently prepare BBQ chicken plates for sale, the collective effort culminated in a notable achievement: 2231 plates sold. This outcome, beyond the evident hard work, I recognize as a blessing from God, as He is mindful of our need to advance His kingdom. The dynamic atmosphere, filled with the chatter and laughter of my fellow church sisters, invigorated my spirit. Pausing for a moment, I stood at the periphery of the large room, taking in the arrangement of tables, the abundance of food, and the ladies busily preparing to serve. In that instant, my heart was filled with a profound sense of peace and joy, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a considerable time.

Yet, amidst the joy and love radiating from my sisters, my mind persistently intruded with thoughts and emotions concerning my personal future, thereby obscuring the very blessings that were before me. It proved challenging for me to reconcile my affection for the fellowship with those dear ladies and the concurrent sense of isolation that beset me. Internally, a deep cry arose, a yearning to vocalize my distress, though I was unable to express it to those around me. Consequently, I withdrew to my car for a brief period, closed my eyes, and poured out my heart in prayer to God, seeking solace. I acknowledged my lack of knowledge regarding my future and recognized the enemy's powerlessness against me, thus his inability to legitimately instill fear or fabricate deceptive narratives about my path. The prophet Isaiah's words came to mind, reminding me of God's perpetual nearness and the distinction between His ways and mine.

In my prayer, I sought comfort for my spirit and a deepened trust in the Creator of my soul—God Himself. Following my prayer, as I inhaled and exhaled, a calming settled over my mind, and my spirit became receptive once more to the joy and love emanating from my sisters within the kitchen. Upon re-entering, my soul was prepared to fully embrace and be enriched by the joy and love that surrounded me. 

—MC©️

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