I don't know about you, but sometimes I let circumstances get the best of me and I just don't feel joy in any way. I know deep in my heart that my relationship with Jesus isn't about feelings, but facts. About unconditional love, about forgiveness and about acceptance into the family of Christ. But sometimes I just feel like everybody around me is more worthy of joy than me. Or that everybody else is on a 'joy ride' and my car has run out of gas in the middle of the road.
I know, I know. Romans 8:28 tells us that 'we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are called according to His purpose. It's just that lately I don't quite seem to have a purpose - or at least that is how I am feeling. And try as I might, I find it doubly hard to find joy in - - well - - anything.
BUT (and its a very big BUT), I know in my heart that being stalled on the joy-ride is a hard place to be. I have never been patient. Ever. I have always needed something to find purpose in.
So, right now, as my fingers strike each key, I choose to find joy in being able to communicate myself to you, - not as anything other than a child of God. Right now, I choose to find joy in knowing that no matter what the future holds for me, I will find joy in it if I choose to see God's plan, God's hand, God's path for my life. And while I might be stalled in the road, completely stalled on this path momentarily, I am going to choose to find the joy in it.
I read last evening something that resonated with me, deep down inside. Oswald Chambers wrote, "There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life."
Today I choose to see where I am going, and not so much where I currently am stalling. I claim joy for this journey called life, a journey that has purpose and meaning not because of how I feel inside, or whose payroll I am on, but because of the promises of God!
I have decided that the more time I am spending meditating and studying God's Word, the less time I have to spend on self-centeredness. The more time I spend trying to serve others - even in small ways - the less time I have to worry about losing my joy. And that brings more joy than I deserve.
Have you ever felt less joyful than every one around you? What comfort did you find in your quiet time that was a help? What promises of God did you hold on to?
More joy for your journey,
