The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy Psalm 123:6

I don’t think I’ve shared about how joyful my life is since I returned to God’s loving arms. Recently I have been sharing quite a bit on the difficulties that I have been going through and the heartache of living a sinful life. The flip side to all the pain I endured for 13 years is the remarkable life that I am blessed to have today.

In the past I could never stay at home, I was searching for something, someone or someplace to go to. It was a fruitless attempt to fill a void in my life that I never found. The girls, drugs, events and nightclubs were an empty pleasure that never satisfied what I was looking for. 

While the life I used to live had huge peaks and valleys…what I was lacking was joy. I am now able to enjoy the simple things in life. A nice sunrise while driving home from work after a graveyard shift. Being healthy enough to work out at the gym and not feel that I will pass out from exhaustion. Watching the Dallas Cowboys come back from the brink of defeat to storm back to a wonderful victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. 

I have been fortunate to find activities that are fun, wholesome and bring me joy. Before I moved to the California, I really enjoyed my martial arts training group. My new found passion is going to 24 Hour Fitness, working out for about an hour and than relaxing in the sauna and jacuzzi. While some people think that I need a different hobby and need to get out more…my answer is “I was out and running amok for 13 years, I enjoy the peace and solitude that I have today.”

Whether its overcoming drug addiction, alcoholism, anger issues etc…what I have found is that when you are at peace with who you are and are following the path that God has laid out, joy can come in many shapes and sizes. Most nights that I write these entries are sitting in a garage, listening to the insects make whatever noises they make and enjoying the cool breeze.

The Lord has provided me an opportunity that 17 months ago I would not have thought was possible. Not only am I sober but I am living a joyful life. Regardless of the obstacles that come my way God’s love allows me to overcome everything. Joy is such a powerful weapon against Satan. The devil will try everything in his power to take away my joy, the only difference is now “The joy of the Lord is my Strength.”