Life is rich,

Not only when my heart is overflowing, but also when the joy is deepened with a tug,

With an ache hidden somewhere inside my heart.

Life is rich, not only when the laughter bubbles out with genuity from deep within my soul, but also when I smile, softly, through tears which no one sees.

Life is rich. Not only when things are clearly working out for good, but also when I choose to believe in hope.

Even when doubt questions why I should.

My life is rich when I, though my heart holds sorrow, choose to celebrate and share in someone else’s joy.

Life is also rich when in my own season of joy, I feel another’s pain.

Or in my loss, I am glad to see another’s gain.

Life in God’s will is incredibly rich.

When dreams are coming true. When tears are flowing. Even when my heart is filling with more emotions than I ever thought one person could have.

Life is rich when in the midst of my yearning for something, even when I don’t know what, I realize I am abundantly blessed. And I find myself feeling strangely filled, even though the ache is not gone.

Life becomes sweetly rich when I can smile through the tears and whisper, “I don’t understand, God, but I see and believe that You are good.”

I know richness, because this heart that now pours out a song of praise at His feet…

has known the silence of having no song at all.

My friend, life becomes rich when we learn to see God in all things,

In all circumstances.

Even when the confusion may make it appear as though He is not there, life is rich.

For even when you feel empty, there is richness to be found in knowing that Jesus will never leave you.

Oh, life has its hills and valleys. And I would love to make the journey easier for every struggling person I meet on the way. But when a life is lived in Christ, it becomes rich.

Beautifully rich.

The yearnings, the tears, that ache that never truly disappears – they’re all a part of it. They play an important role in this symphony called life.

Because the good times, the mountaintops, the high notes – they are appreciated much more with the low notes echoing to enhance the music.

Depth adds richness to music, and so do trials to life.

Gratitude is richer when the blessing is recieved after having experienced its absence.

No matter how dark it may seem, or how strong the ache is tonight… remember,

Jesus IS.

Jesus is beside you, loving you, never giving up on you.

And when Jesus is in you, and your life is being lived in Him, you will find this richness regardless of what you are facing.

Life with Jesus will cause you to experience the contrasting emotions of joy and sorrow, fulfillment and aching, but always an incredible peace.

For nothing could be richer than knowing that Jesus has chosen to fill your emptiness with His incredible riches: and even when life is a battleground, you will find your joy in knowing Who fights it for you.

Life can be rich. Beautifully, abundantly, unimaginably rich.

Join me as I walk this journey, singing the music Jesus places in my heart.