Many who wait on the Lord find immediate joy, but that’s not the case for everyone. You might be given a deeper awareness of sin instead of a sense of pardon, and in that case, you’ll need patience to bear the heavy burden. Oh, poor heart, even if Christ disciplines you, bruises you, or even seems to

slay you, trust Him; even if He speaks a harsh word, believe in the love behind it. Don’t give up seeking or trusting in my Master just because you haven’t yet felt the joy you long for. Throw yourself on Him and keep depending on Him, even when you can’t yet rejoice.

The best kind of religion is one that’s cheerful at the dinner table, works hard at the sewing machine, is pleasant in the family room, and kind in the living room. Give me the kind of faith that shines boots well, cooks food so it’s delicious, measures

fabric accurately, and doesn’t shortchange customers like many merchants do. True Christianity affects every part of our behavior.