Joy in the Journey

I don’t know why I don’t stop and do this so much more often! I forget its benefits when I’m overly tired and overly busy and time passes. But sometimes…sometimes, when I stop and try to focus on being calm and ask Jesus for His help to do so, things happen. Things change. Good and hope surface and I am cautiously relieved until I realize I can absolutely rest. God’s presence morphs into peace and comfort and help. And on occasion, dare I say, my mind cooperates, and the madness and hurt and screaming quiet just enough and I am overcome with gratitude. Not because of a positive thought that I’m trying to conjure up or emotion to hold on to, but to God, my Rescuer, my Redeemer.

“Because of this unity, I am changed…lives are changed. The extended result? Joy. Joy in our journeys. Joy in our stories.”

Did you know that God is always at work? He never sleeps! And you may be thinking that you don’t either! I struggle greatly with calming down to rest. But Psalm 121:1 says, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Man, that’s powerful! Why? Because since He is always awake and at work and ready to help you and me, all I need to do is join Him in what He is doing. Something so amazing about Jesus is that He is not some dead idol. He is alive and well in the heavens and in our hearts and lives, and He so desires for me to join Him! Because of this unity, I am changed…lives are changed. The extended result? Joy. Joy in our journeys. Joy in our stories.

Let’s think outside of the box for a minute. We are entering a crazy season of events, busyness, and hurrying up to wait ( in lines at stores, etc)! Time can pass and in February we can try to forge through the past few months and find them to be an utter blur. But I want more…don’t you? There is much more to be had!

Perhaps with me, in this moment, you would consider asking God, ‘Where are you at work in my life, my career, my ministry, my family, my finances, my community?’ And then follow His answer by asking how you can be a part of God’s work. God’s will. God’s way. Don’t you think that would make this beautiful season so much richer? Fuller? Let me be clear. God doesn’t need our help. But when we join Him in what He’s doing He loves it, and we change. We become more like Jesus and we bring others along with us. God is a great sharer!

Please quiet our hearts, Father God, our minds, and our spirits. We need your help in this greatly because in return, we are free to go where you are working and join you. Thank you for the gift of seasons and celebrations! Please help us to respond to you and to live the truth out that you are alive and working…always!

Love to you, my friends!

-Stacee