Our Bounty of Strength and Joy
Recently, I went to the Lord in prayer very heavyhearted, laden down with many cares. I began to plead my case before him, “Oh, Lord, I’ve never been so weary in all my life. I can hardly go on.” I was so exhausted the tears literally burst out of me. As I lay crying, I thought, “Surely my tears will move the Lord’s heart.”
The Holy Spirit did indeed come and minister to me, but not in the way I thought he would. I wanted sympathy, encouragement, understanding; and he did give me all of that but in a way much different from what I expected.
The Lord gently instructed me to go to 2 Corinthians. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
“As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’
“Now may he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Corinthians 9:6–11, NKJV).
I read this passage and reread it, but I got nothing. Finally, I closed my Bible and prayed, “Lord, I’m confused. I see nothing here to help or encourage me.”
Finally, the Spirit spoke forcefully but lovingly to my inner man, “David, this has everything to do with what you are going through. Lately you have been serving me without a bountiful, cheerful spirit! Where is your joy and happiness in your service to me? My Word isn’t talking only about giving money to help the poor. It is speaking of ministry to me and to my body! I have called you to New York City, and I did not send you without help or abundant resources. All that you need is available to you: strength, rest, power, ability, joy and cheer. There is no reason for you to labor with sadness, to be overburdened. You have access to all strength and joy!”
