“The Happy Dance” by Shannon Longoria

“For you shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” ISAIAH 55:12-13

This chapter (especially these verses) make me want to stand up and do the happy dance!!!

2017 had many challenges for our area with oilfield layoffs, Hurricane Harvey, and the extreme weather that’s followed. Many in our area are still working on repairing and rebuilding. Some are still homeless or living with so much damage to their homes, which has affected our church family tremendously.

And although we are still in recovery, 2018 is different – better…and it seems like a lot of people are feeling that something’s up-there’s a hopefulness in the air. We have seen some incredible progress, and are so grateful for so many churches in SCN who have offered support in volunteerism and monetary donations.

We are seeing God moving-answering prayers, bringing provision. We are seeing His compassion on us.

As we explore our new year and new beginnings, God brought to my mind the title of Isaiah 55, “The Compassion of the Lord”. I believe this chapter is for us right now- a prophecy for our area in this time of rebuilding. He is calling us to “Come! Listen! Eat! Expand! Seek Me! Trust Me! In 21st century terms, “I Got You!…and it’s gonna be good!”

Isaiah 55:12-13 screams JOY! In fact, that’s what I have written beside these verses. I picture God like a parent who tells their kids, “Surprise! You thought you were going to school, but I’m taking you to Disney World…and you’re going to eat in the castle and have a private tour, and, and, and…!” (Can you tell I really like Disney World, lol!?!)

Unlike a trip to Disney, God’s favor, provision, and blessings are not finite and cannot be defined.

As I prepare to see and receive God’s blessings, I believe physical blessing is only part of the process. He is filling our vessels (our hearts) this year. We’ve been poured out in many ways. Though it’s been difficult, we’ve given freely. And, now God is calling us to get filled up again.

So, I say, Fill Me Up, Lord!

Whether you are in the same season as I am describing, or you are going into a pouring out season, I pray you feel encouraged and uplifted. There are times we have to fight negative feelings in the season we are experiencing. But, as we make it through the pouring out seasons, the filling up times become so much sweeter!

So, as we allow God to fill us up, let’s enjoy “the sweet life” and shake it up a little with some extra crazy fun happy dances!

Confession/Prayer:
Lord, I receive your LOVE.
Lord, I receive your PROVISION.
Lord, I receive your JOYYY!
Lord, I receive all you have for me, my family, and my region.
[I am picturing you do your happy dance right about now, singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” 🙂 ]

Love you all!

Shannon Longoria
Communications Director/Community Life Pastor’s Wife
Faith Family Church