Continuing this journey into the joy of the Lord, I am finding that it is all about taking the focus off of the now and putting it on the Author of our life's story. He wrote the beginning and knows the end. Why should we worry and fret about the twists and turns in the middle when we can rest in the fact that our God has everything written out and planned for our good?
I know that this is easier said than done. As I stated in my previous blog, joy has not been something that has come easily to me. I am a planner and somewhat of a "control freak". I have a hard time dealing with the unknown. Consequently, when life throws me a curve, it is more natural for me to stress and get depressed than for me to jump for joy at the possibility of something better.
As this week goes on and I am praying for more of the Holy Spirit's joy in my life, I am constantly reminded of the choice I must make to worship God- to rejoice in Him- regardless of my circumstances. The sound of joy is worship itself! Rejoicing and joy are very connected to worship. Speaking, singing, and living praise to our Heavenly Father is the best and quickest way to take our mind off of our temporary troubles and get them on the truth of who we are in Christ and where our destiny lies. I am making a greater effort to keep His praise in my mouth and His song on my lips. This is a conscious choice we must make to REJOICE, and through that praise, to be made glad by our Savior.
I have learned in life that though I may not always feel like worshipping, I have never once regretted a single moment I have spent in worship of my Jesus. Time spent rejoicing and worshipping is never time wasted. Not only does it draw us nearer to the heart of God and align our steps with the Holy Spirit, but it brings joy into the darkest of situations. Whatever you are facing today, choose to worship. However down and depressed you may become, choose to rejoice. When you do, your eyes will slowly lift from the troubles of this life to the hope found in Jesus Christ, and your heart will be filled with a song that can only come from Spirit-birthed joy!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:16-18
2 comments:
So I got so much out of what God inspired you to write about love. I didn't really think I had such an issue with Joy but the Lord has really been speaking to me about this as I have been reading your blog. I also like to be very much in control and when things don't go as I plan I really struggle. Thanks for being so open to share your struggle in this. I'm glad I'm not alone. And I'm glad that we can have God's Joy while going through difficult times.
Amen! So insightful!!
Aunt Martha
Post a Comment