Are there ways that I am guilty of depriving myself? - Deprivation - TouchPoints

John 11:19Many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

Do not deprive yourself of the comfort others can offer. Losing a loved one may help you gain the love and comfort of other loved ones.

Psalm 86:4Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

Lamentations 3:18-22I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Habakkuk 3:18Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

2 Corinthians 8:2They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

The joy of the Lord may grow from material deprivation. Spiritual joy does not depend on material excess. How silly of us to say we have nothing when we are children of the God who created everything. We must learn to value the priceless gifts God has already given us. We often deprive ourselves of the joy of God’s providence by failing to be grateful for the many things he has provided.