Jesus is the true source of joy
by VANESSA WHITE
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Life can be challenging with all the unknown, uncertainties and the many decisions to make. Life can bring seasons of grief and in the midst of heartache and pain, sometimes its hard to see clearly. God does not delight in our trials and sufferings, He showers us with His grace and draws us near to Him. In times of uncertainty there is absolute truth in Jesus, He is the true source of joy, peace, comfort and love. He is a shelter from the pestilence, from the snare and destruction that the enemy brings. Trials and tribulations are evident, we get tested and tried. Life can sometimes knock us down but by God’s grace and mercy He is the one who lifts up our countenance. We have comfort in God, knowing He will fulfill His promises.
This life is definitely not struggle-free. Life is not easy and easy does not bring life-changing results. We live in a society that runs to any type of comfort, runs to self-indulgence and will do whatever it takes to flee from the discomforts of life. God’s amazing grace will carry us though life’s difficulties. God tells us in scripture to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
God gives us a victorious life and a victorious love. God gives us everything we need to walk triumphant in the circumstances we face. We persevere through life’s challenges with His grace, mercy and His strength. Apart from Him we could never do this on our own, it’s humanly impossible but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
I want to rejoice in this opportunity to bring God glory no matter my circumstances.
We are called to love the unlovely, bless those who persecute us. We are called to a radical way of living; living a poured-out life all for His glory. Luke 6:27-28 says; “But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Romans 12:14-19 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Even in the chaos, or in the dysfunction of this life God calls us set apart. He equips us for this journey. Victory begins on our knees, when we bow our hearts in prayer.
Living life with a humbled heart and a heart full of reverence for the Lord, will shift our mindset and set our eyes on the Lord; on eternity with Him. In Christ, we have a blessed assurance, scripture tells us anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. He gives us a new life to live. There is freedom in Christ.
When a godly woman makes Jesus her dwelling place and has made the Lord her refuge, He replaces the sorrows of life with His peace, deep joy within that is not based on her circumstances. She has entrusted herself to the LORD, she knows He is an unshakable foundation.
His grace is sufficient. He gives us all we need. We are secure in His love. We have a glorious future!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Let me hear Your voice through Your word and in resting in You. Quiet my heart and help me to serve You all the days of my life right where I am. Help me to work with joy because my joy is not dependent on the circumstances of this life. Take this heart of mine and do as You please.