When you spend everyday in your pajamas, in bed, in pain, eating the same things, with no hope of change, not able to see people, not able to entertain yourself with books, movies, or music…. life can get miserable, right? But the truth is: It’s good to be alive. It may not feel like it, but we can choose to live in that truth. We are God’s creation! He has given us the changing seasons outside our window, the beautiful spring flowers, summer berries, fall leaves, or winter frost. The breath in our lungs is His! We are His children. We can delight in life. I know. It seems so hard, so impossible, so plainly ridiculous. But even in my pain and my questions right now, I can’t prevent a smile from my face. It isn’t easy. I spent a long time with not a smile. But Jesus wouldn’t let me stay there. He has brought my heart to His wonderful hands, He has offered His hand, and I have taken it, dancing with Him… even if I can’t literally. I can’t wait for Heaven! But it’s good to be alive. Life may be hard, but I challenge you to delight in it. Believe me, I know how hard. I’m not just someone saying it from the sidelines. I know. And God has shown me the secret: joy! His. joy.

Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Psalm 119:143 (NIV)

Those who look on Him are radiant; their faces will never be covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 (NIV)

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:23-13 (NIV)

 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.  Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV)

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.Psalm 19:8 (NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, Psalm 30:11 (NIV)

It’s good to be alive!