Knowing and believing that God is still with me, I still need to find JOY despite the circumstances. Yet, that seemingly simply task has eluded me for years.
But what is Joy? And how do you find it?
The following verses spoke to my heart and encouraged me ...
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vine;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He will make me as surefooted as a deer
and bring me safely over the mountains.
- Habakkuk 3:17-19.
and there are no grapes on the vine;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He will make me as surefooted as a deer
and bring me safely over the mountains.
- Habakkuk 3:17-19.
Even if my circumstances are not ideal, I will rejoice IN the Lord. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. I will not find joy in my circumstance, I will not find joy in material possessions, I will not find joy in the world, but I will find joy IN GOD Himself. I will look to Him for joy because He is my joy, for He has given me life everlasting. My joy should be wrapped around that truth.
And the prophet Habakkuk reveals another promise ... that the Sovereign Lord is my strength and that He will bring me safely over the mountains. Whatever circumstance I am currently facing, I should never be weary because He is the source of my strength and I can do all things through Him. He can certainly move mountains, but He can also ensure my safe passage over them.
I am determined to rest in that joy that only God can bring. I will pray for it and I will pursue it. And I know that the Lord will be faithful.
2 comments:
Love it all, but especially this: "I will not find joy in my circumstance, I will not find joy in material possessions, I will not find joy in the world, but I will find joy IN GOD Himself."
Seriously Joan, I am in awe of how you carry all that you are dealing with and still have so much joy, love, and peace. You are an amazing, godly woman! I am so honored to know you & be your friend.
Love you!
Maritez said it all so perfectly.
Your are an inspiration to me. I feel so honored to be you friend and grow in the Lord with you. I love you, and wil always keep praying for His abounding joy to wash over us.
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