truly joyful on a daily basis? Why compare
yourself to others' unrealistic expectations or
worldly possessions which may cause you to
feel inadequate?
How about capturing a sense of true, inner
peace which will enable you to overcome any
of the adversity or struggles our fast paced,
modern world constantly puts in our path?
Most of us would consciously agree with
wanting that joy, but few of us have
been trained in how to go about getting
it - not to even mention how to sustain
it.
Without attempting to sound like a
motivational coach (I'm not), there's
an easy way to capture and to even
grow the joy and peace we all yearn
for deep within our hearts.
You can even learn to be joyful,
while the circumstances of your
life may still be less than desired.
"I am not saying this because
I am in need, for I have learned
to be content whatever the
circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the
secret of being content in
any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)
By allowing God to work in our
lives, we will receive the hope
and kind of joy that not only
sustains us through difficult
times, but also far exceeds
anything man made such
as the latest set of fashionable
clothes or a new gadget.
"Don't be dejected and sad,
for the joy of the Lord is
your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)
So, why not allow God to
fill you up with joy to the
point where there is simply
no room left for sorrow in
your life?
"...for I will comfort them and
make them rejoice, for their
captivity with all its sorrows
will be behind them."
Jeremiah 31:12-13 (Living)
I can personally testify to
experiencing this joy and peace
after deciding to allow the Lord
to fully guide my life and
to spend more time seeking
his guidance through scripture,
prayer, & fellowship.
Just think of all of those rich
and famous celebrities out
there who can afford anything
that money can buy.
Yet, when you read the news
to learn those same celebrities
such as Britney Spears or
Lindsey Lohan evidently live
in a great deal of dispair, it
causes you to consider there's
other alternatives to seeking
true happiness.
I can certainly attest to having
experienced another of God's
miracles this past fall, while
undergoing a very stressful
work situation.
I'm absolutely sure the only
way I survived that test was
from me placing my faith in
God to pull me through that
period of learning. By reading
the scripture & praying every
morning prior to departing home,
God spoke to my heart with the
comforting words of encouragement
I needed to have for that particular
day.
Knowing that God was watching over
me and guiding my actions and thoughts
to serve his will, brought a deep sense
of joyful purpose to what was otherwise
might have been a real downer of a day.
So, I share today's reflection as a personal
testimony into one way you can learn from
others and our Lord how to weather any
storm and to find everlasting love and peace
in this world.
"I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
Amen.
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