Author Dianne Barker is wise and practical. In this Choices UPGRADE, she reminds us that in difficult days, we need to make intentional decisions to be joyful and renew our vision if we want to bring glory to God. 
“The science-fiction year 2020 is in the books,” Dianne says, “but pandemic living has robbed us of joy and vision. Have you lost your joy and vision?”
I (Dawn) know what Dianne's talking about. I had a couple of weeks early in 2020 that sent me into an emotional tailspin. Nothing changed until I took my struggle to the Lord (Psalm 42:11). He made the difference in my spiritual and emotional health.
Dianne continues . . .
Life is still unsettled, the future uncertain. If we’re depending on favorable circumstances to renew our joy and vision, we may have a long wait.
Could renewal simply be a matter of decision? Consider this.
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116:17).
Did you notice the words I WILL? That’s decision.
Today, whatever the circumstance, I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord… and nothing can stop me.
From the phrase sacrifice of thanksgiving, I get the impression that offering thanks is essential, even when life is difficult.
I choose thanksgiving when I don’t feel thankful, presenting my thanksgiving as a sacrifice to the Lord.
When life goes according to plans and expectations, my heart overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving. It’s easy to rejoice and sing praise—the spontaneous response of feeling.
But when I’m derailed by detours and disappointments, can I offer thanksgiving and praise by decision? Yes, because no matter my experience, God is worthy of honor and exaltation.
In Psalm 116, calling on the name of the Lord is a recurring thought.
The writer begins,
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (vv. 1-2).
Encountering difficulties, distress, and anguish, the Psalmist called on the name of the Lord (v. 4).
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord (vv. 12-13).
He repeats his determination to call on the name of the Lord (v. 17) four times in twenty verses.
Calling on the name of the Lord suggests crying out.
Likely you’ve been there.
- Crying out in your pain, fear, or sorrow.
- Crying out when someone you love encounters unspeakable heartbreak.
- Crying out when you’ve lost your joy and vision.
This Psalm gives a precious picture of our Lord.
He heard my voice and my pleas for mercy… he inclined his ear to me.
I see him bending down, giving his full attention to the cry of his hurting child.
One of my favorite Bible-study practices is underlining every reference to “I cry, he hears,” along with the action that follows—what God did in response to the cry for help. The study convinces me our God is not a distant God. He’s personal and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
I cry. He hears.
Whatever His response, knowing He’s heard satisfies me. I rest, assured He’s working for my good and His glory.
My friend Freda is a woman of great faith and confident prayer. I’ve shared countless concerns over decades of friendship, knowing she would talk to our Father on my behalf. Always, she comforts my anxious heart, saying, “I can’t wait to see how God works this out!”
Life is still unsettled, the future uncertain.
But we needn’t wait for favorable circumstances to renew our joy and vision. We can begin living by decision!
Choose to:
- Offer to the Lord the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
- Call on the name of the Lord.
All my cares are in the mighty hands of God. And I can’t wait to see how He works things out!
Are you ready to renew your joy and vision?
Dianne Barker is a speaker, radio host, and author of 11 books, including the best-selling Twice Pardoned and award-winning I Don’t Chase the Garbage Truck 
Down the Street in My Bathrobe Anymore! Organizing for the Maximum Life. She’s a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and Word Weavers International. Visit www.diannebarker.com.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Ben White at Unsplash.