Recently Jet has been doing this new thing where he laughs on purpose. It’s almost like he’s practicing how to laugh. Most times it looks forced. All times it’s hysterical to watch. “”HAHA” now seems like a good spot to throw a laugh out there.” But it serves as a good reminder. At least, it reminded me- sometimes we have to purposefully laugh. Intentionally seek joy. God really put that on my heart last week and it was so perfect with this Sunday’s teaching. 2020 has been…. __________. Madlibs! You fill in the space. Everyone has different feelings and interpretations of what 2020 has been for them. Through it all though- we need to keep our joy up.
“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” – Nehemiah 8:10
When we think of the source of strength, we don’t always think the root is joy. But it is! Strength is associated with clout, courage, durability, energy, power, stability, stamina, toughness, force, and vigor. Who wouldn’t want more of that? Well, it’s found in JOY. Believe it or not.
God wants you to be filled with joy and hope that’s not dependent or pliable to your day to day, to your circumstances.
A joy that doesn’t change when…
your pay gets cut.
you’re crying because your marriage isn’t the same as it was.
your kid throws their food again on the floor you cleaned 10 seconds before.
you’re feeling insecure and unsure of yourself.
someone close to you spread a lie about you… that others now believe!
you’re a foster parent in a custody battle.
there’s a rift in your family.
you fell into the same sin after your said you wouldn’t do it again.
Our God, who is the source of all hope, wants you to give all these things to him, and trust him. And when you do- his Holy Spirit will overpower you with joy and peace.
Feelings… it’s a common theme I write about because it’s something I struggle with too. So find a way to smile today. I need to be more like my kid. Purposefully laughing… at nothing… 😂 Eventually, your feelings will catch up. Live with gratitude. There is one thing to be thankful for today. And if you can’t find one- I’ll give this to you: You have breath in your lungs and today is a fresh day. There is more within you than you think or feel right now. YOU CAN DO THIS.
So I pray this over you today (and encourage you to pray it over yourself each day): May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Thank you for your encouragement. I really needed this today.
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