Joy

"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy."

1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20

I haven't lost it all but have in fact gained everything.

For a long time I thought I had lost it all - my family, reputation, financial security, health and heart. But, it is when I "lost" these things that I in fact gained so much more than I ever imagined could be possible. There is nothing now "ordinary" and "comfortable" about my life. And, I am finding I like it that way. There are so many mysterious things that God puts in my path everyday. In hindsight, I think they've always been there but I am now able to actually see them.

My heart treasured the things above, but the Lord came to show me that all of these things can be taken from me. In Him there is unconditional love, acceptance, security, peace and joy. So much joy...He came to show me that my heart's desire is for a relationship with Him. When the Lord is my center and my heart's treasure, I have this incredible joy. I want to live different. When the Lord lives within my heart, I see the world and people differently. I see things through the lens of the Lord. It is not condemning yet loving (Romans).  

It is understanding that we're all fighting against the same enemy. When I look to the Lord, I can live life to the fullest despite what is happening around and to me no matter how bleak things may appear (John 10:10). Because no matter what happens to me and my children, we are in the Lord's hands. We are HIS (Isaiah 43:1), and I am Healed In Suffering.

There is such power in picking up the Lord's Word and reading it. But, when you come to feel the presence of God within your heart, you cannot contain the joy. You want to shout out in praise and thanks for what He has done for you.

I once read something that said the devil hates all things loved by the God, and he attacks those who love the Lord and follow Him. I think of how remarkable it is then that the God of the universe loves me so very much (Ephesians 1:4), because the devil has been pretty outspoken about his feelings towards me! For a relationship with the Lord, I would give it all up. My Jesus is the most constant real, everything I have (Philippians 3:7-8). Thank you for rescuing me Jesus...

Joy

Inside my heart feels ready to explode.
For your story is the greatest one ever told.

How honored and humbled I am of this story to be a part.
You have given Your power, the Holy Spirit, to dwell within my heart.

When I choose to honor You in each and every step,
I come to know You with even greater depth.

When I choose to honor You through it all,
Nothing can separate me from You. I will not fall.

No fear can bring me down.
Not when it is my Jesus who wears the righteous crown.

When I understand the gifts that You give,
Acting out in love is how I want to live.

I want my thoughts, actions and words to be instruments of praise.
For you have filled me with joy and purpose in unimaginable ways.

I have found the secret to this life on earth.
It has been given to me by the Lord through rebirth.

When relationship with You is my goal.
Filled beyond measure is my heart and soul.

I am filled with gratitude for You Almighty and Gracious One.
For what an incredible thing for me You have done!

Let me therefore never be the same,
As I loudly declare and bring witness to Your holy name!

Amen! Amen! I will shout from the mountain top.
Let glory, honor and praise to You never stop!

Oh, most Merciful God, I bow before You in awe.
For it is with my heart, the presence of God I most certainly saw! 

Faithfulness

Faithfulness

 

Oh, Lord, I am in need.

Hear, Oh Merciful One, my plead.

 

I feel as though I am falling.

Can You, My Lord, hear me calling?

 

I cannot seem to keep afloat.

I am too afraid to get out of the boat.

 

My heart is fragile and in pain.

And life from my body seems to slowly drain.

 

I cannot keep going.

How do I press forward, Lord, without knowing?

 

"Faithfulness is a journey you learn as you walk.

When you walk with Me and not in front, you will hear Me talk.

 

In your fear and confusion walk ahead of Me you do.

And in doing such your fear only consumes you.

 

Have I not brought you this way?

Having kept evil and harm at bay?

 

Have I not brought you this far?

Have I not told you how you outshine each and every star?

 

Yet you doubt and fear,

Instead of coming to Me to be near.

 

You have stepped off the path.

And by doing so you now feel sin's wrath.

 

My commands and plans are still the same.

But by going your own way, have chosen to change the game.

 

Have I not provided for you in every way?

I have given you what has been needed to live each day.

 

Remember, when you look down instead of up,

Empty will be your cup.

 

You have taken your eyes off of Me.

And because of it you are now blind, and hope you no longer can see.

 

Your focus is on the fear.

You cannot serve this and expect at the same time Me to be near.

 

You must make the choice.

Do you want to hear My voice?

 

Then cast the fear aside,

And rest in knowing that I will always be by your side!"