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Writer's pictureJennifer Schwickerath

Taking Joy Back


I was so unsettled. I was crying everyday. Then, days became weeks. Weeks became months. I wasn't happy. Quite frankly, I had no idea why.

I was so quick to get angry. I just wanted to lay in bed. I was depressed.

I felt like a failure.

I felt defeated. I was pushing away everyone close to me.

I saw what I was doing. I knew I wasn't myself.

But, no matter how hard I tried to bring my sunshiny personality out, it wouldn't work.

I would pray and cry out to God, but it felt like I was talking to the wall.

Nothing felt safe. Not work, not home. I was terrified. All the time.

I constantly started second guessing everything.

I was so paranoid about bad things happening.

It was getting out of hand. I cried about everything.

Not kidding, everything.

Looking back on those months, I didn't even smile. If I did, it was completely forced.

So, I ran. Anywhere and everywhere. I thought distance and different spaces would somehow bring my old self back.

Sounds crazy right? I was desperate. I just wanted to feel safe again. I was tired of being so overwhelmed over the smallest things.

I was searching for joy.

Hope.

Peace.

I missed them.

This went on for about 6 months.

I had moments of joy and peace. But, I never felt that real freedom.

Every time I thought God was opening a door, He would slam it back in my face.

I was confused and hurt.

"Why me God? Is there a lesson here? I'm trying my hardest."

I gave up. I came to accept the fact that this was the new normal. This is how it's going to be. Deal with it.

Then, one day, I woke up. It was just a day. But, I wasn't paranoid. I was confident. I wasn't afraid. I was safe.

I realized something.

It wasn't a overnight thing. God had slowly been taking things away in my life, things that I thought I needed.

But, turns out they were hurting me.

He starting giving me things I didn't want.

He was molding a greater plan, while I cried asking why.

Now, I see Him doing so many new and wonderful things in my life.

Blessings that never would have happened it if wasn't for those 6 months.

So, if you are, where I was, believe me when I say.

The joy comes. The storm ends. His way is so much better than ours.

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

- Zephaniah 3:17

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