Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your day has been joyfilled so far!
Speaking of joy, I had to laugh at one of yesterday’s post. Oh Dear stated how wonderful it must have been to meet Beth Moore. It was. Oh Dear also shared that she has grown spiritually from her studies. That’s not all that grew! Oh Dear added that every other study she has taken of Beth’s, she has gotten pregnant!
Oh, My!
Another friend of mine, Amy. also posted yesterday. She encouraged us to not only pray for strength but for joy, too. I’m so glad she did. I think joy is a subject that is often misunderstood. One thing is for sure. Many in our world today have misplaced joy. To most joy is the fruit of landing a successful position, achieving a certain body weight, or accomplishing a task that gives value to their lives. Unfortunately, position, money, education, and martial goods don’t provide lasting joy. When a dream goes unfulfilled, or your co-worker gets the promotion, hopelessness and despair take center stage. That’s when God uses suffering as a compass that enables us to relocate our misplaced joy.
Oswald Chambers describes true joy this way. “Joy means the prefect fulfillment of that for which I was crated and regenerated, not the successful doing of a thing.” We were created to glorify God in all they do and say. Beyond that there is no greater joy. We see this in Christ’s example. His joy was made complete when He was doing the will of His Father. Not only that. He was a success too.
Everybody wants to be successful. We equate success with happiness. The problem is with our definition of success and the way we go about obtaining it. Most have this approach to happy success: Here’s what I want to do. God’s way of succeeding is much different: Here’s the person I’ve created you to be and here’s how I want you to become that person.
Success from God’s point of view doesn’t begin and end with what we do. It’s about becoming who God designed us to be and by accomplishing the goals He has set before us. Therefore, joy is a deep-rooted assurance that God has a purpose for our lives. Hope in the world is useless, but “those who hope in [God] will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23). When we allow God to control our lives, priorities fall into place, life is simplified, and soon it is characterized by joy. John describes it this way. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (15:11). Allowing God complete control of our lives means we may need to readjust our priorities and set new goals. This was true for my friend Dave. When we can’t adjust to God’s will on our own, sometimes He steps in.
When Dave lost his job, he was overwhelmed with hopelessness. How will I provide for my family was the cry of his heart. Dave began taking odd jobs and working as a handyman. At first, he felt embarrassed leaving the house in his overall’s instead of his suit. Soon Dave discovered that he enjoyed this type of work. His priorities changed too. Dave found time to witness to people he would have otherwise never come in contact with. Before he knew it, Dave had more work than he ever dreamed possible. To top it off, he was experiencing a great sense of satisfaction and purpose. Today Dave not only restores houses. He restores lives for the kingdom.
Turbulent times often expose what matters most. By reordering our priorities, cultivating our relationships, and setting new goals we discover true joy.
Kate Lewis says
Thank you for your inspiring words that you wrote on the Proverbs 31 Ministries page about "Supernatural Strength". Your words touched my heart and soul. Your words were my encouragement for the day.
debbie says
Hi Micca,
This is so true. Thank you so much for sharing. I loved what you said about what success is from God's point of view. I will be sure to be praying for joy and strength.
Blessings, Debbie
KELLY W says
Beautiful inspiring post! I can relate to your friend Dave, as my husband also lost his job and thought being in the auto industry is "all he could do'! When he finally gave in and followed a path we both believe was laid out before him by God, he entered a new career and is being very successful. He has putting in a lot of hard work and effort, but he loves it! Thank you God for showing us the way!
Jill says
Great words Micca!! The other day I posted about one of my new favorite quotes from Beth Moore! From a child's book, but so full of truth!! In it the King tells his daughter,"You are mine, and you will never be happy until you accept both the privilege and responsibility that goes with belonging to me." I read those words to my little "Joy" and sense God saying something similar to me! And yes you are right that happiness (real joy) comes from embracing His call on our life. Thanks for sharing, Jill
Tim and Tammy Nischan says
I always am soooo happy when I stop by to say "hi!"
Have a wonderful rest of January and may God continue to FILL your life with JOY!!
I have to tell you sometime about my Beth Moore experience….just when I needed it! Shew! It was a gift from God in the depths of my grief.
Love you, Micca,
tammy
Tammy Nischan says
I always am soooo happy when I stop by to say "hi!"
Have a wonderful rest of January and may God continue to FILL your life with JOY!!
I have to tell you sometime about my Beth Moore experience….just when I needed it! Shew! It was a gift from God in the depths of my grief.
Love you, Micca,
tammy
Michelle says
I needed to read this. I probably need to print it off and read it over and over again. I am having the most difficult time finding joy right now. To be vulnerable I will share we have been trying to adopt for almost 3 years. We started with Guatemala and ended up having nothing but a huge pile of debt to show for it. We now have 2 foster daughters but the emotional struggle of not knowing if they will be forever ours is a constant battle. We have 4 biological sons of our own and to many it makes no sense why we want to adopt and people have felt the need to express their opinions about it and it has been very hurtful. We are under tremendous financial strain so sometimes when people call us foolish I am inclined to agree. I think how will we provide for 6 kids? To make ends meet I also do childcare in the home but sometimes it just feels like to much to add to an all ready busy household. The hardest part is seeing my faith weaknesses. Asking what do I really believe? I am disappointed in myself. Sometimes I am just so offended at His ways. They make no sense and I am frustrated then I feel guilty that trusting is so hard.I need to find what I was created to do and I need to find joy again regardless of life's circumstances. All this to say thank you for sharing this.
Michelle