You are probably asking yourself right now, then how is she about to "tell" about this joy? I'm asking myself the same thing. I feel like no matter how I try to explain it, my words will not do justice the joy that's inside of me. But I am bursting at the seams & must at least try to convey what He is doing inside of me.
I thought I knew what "joy" felt like. Falling in love, getting married, having babies! Don't get me wrong all of those moments in life have came with joy, and during those times I believed I knew what joy was. Until God gave me True Joy, that only comes from Him. That only comes from seeking Him. Loving Him. Obeying Him. Trusting Him. Completely losing myself in Him. And in Him alone. Not in my kids. Not in my husband. In fact, trying to find my happiness/joy anywhere else is regarded as an idol. 1 John 5:21 says "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." As tough as this sounds...we all have idols in our lives. People, hobbies, money, jobs, activities, events, tv shows that we make idols in our lives. We are blinded by these things and cannot experience the full joy of the Lord. I'm not saying any of these things are bad to have in your life... just that our hearts should only desire one thing... Jesus. Our thoughts shouldn't be consumed by anything else, except Him. Through a series of events throughout the year, God has broken me of trying to find myself in anyone else. He has rightfully put me in my place, showing me that happiness/joy doesn't exist when I am putting anything & everything else before Him. He had to take back my heart.
I thought I knew what "joy" felt like. Falling in love, getting married, having babies! Don't get me wrong all of those moments in life have came with joy, and during those times I believed I knew what joy was. Until God gave me True Joy, that only comes from Him. That only comes from seeking Him. Loving Him. Obeying Him. Trusting Him. Completely losing myself in Him. And in Him alone. Not in my kids. Not in my husband. In fact, trying to find my happiness/joy anywhere else is regarded as an idol. 1 John 5:21 says "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." As tough as this sounds...we all have idols in our lives. People, hobbies, money, jobs, activities, events, tv shows that we make idols in our lives. We are blinded by these things and cannot experience the full joy of the Lord. I'm not saying any of these things are bad to have in your life... just that our hearts should only desire one thing... Jesus. Our thoughts shouldn't be consumed by anything else, except Him. Through a series of events throughout the year, God has broken me of trying to find myself in anyone else. He has rightfully put me in my place, showing me that happiness/joy doesn't exist when I am putting anything & everything else before Him. He had to take back my heart.
So I'm proclaiming this joy in my heart by giving my God and King praise all day long. Either out loud or silently to myself. I can't escape it. I don't want to escape it. Ever. I want to bask in this heart of love and worship forever. I give Him thanks for letting me experience just an ounce of this joy now, and I know that even an ounce can't compare to the joy I'll someday have when I leave this earth. Even my circumstances are not shaking me. My emotions, my thoughts, my feelings, my hurts! None of it matters! Because all I can do is praise Him! I always pray for God to grant me the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). He answered my prayer! And His timing couldn't have been better. He knew when I would need this unshakable joy. He is giving me abounding peace, a tremendous patience, unimaginable self control, a kindness and gentleness towards others. He knew His joy in my heart would trump any lie from the evil one. He is giving me the strength I need to persevere. "do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. This verse brings on a whole new meaning to me now! Joy of the Lord = Strength! Strength I would not otherwise have if it wasn't for His joy! He is showing me what it is to truly love someone through a difficult time. He is using me to show them His love. His love. Not mine. I honestly feel like I have no control over it. Just that I want to submit to Him and follow after Him. I want Him to use me, to be a vessel. I want to pour this out on my husband, my kids, my family, my friends. I want to praise the One who paid my debt. I want to celebrate freedom in Jesus. I want to stand with my hands lifted high. I have found myself in Him! He is my Maker. My Redeemer. My Savior. My High Priest. My Prince of Peace. How can my praises ever find end?
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him." Psalm 28.7
Great post, Michelle! I can't wait to read more! Our God is so amazing, isn't He?
ReplyDelete