James W. More has a book titled ‘Lord, Give Me Patience, and Give It to Me Right Now”. And I’m sure we have often prayed something similar as life overwhelms us with numerous challenges.
I have been reflecting upon a promise for a while now, a promise of JOY, and as I have journeyed God has revealed some wonderful things and some challenging truths.
Despair
Let me take you back a bit …..in 2014 I got sick, I went from working full time and being very active to being virtually bedridden and the simplest tasks became almost impossible. During that time I struggled with my physical limitations and I struggled spiritually. I was in the depths of despair and it felt like there was simply no joy to be found! In September 2016 I attended a local women’s retreat and throughout the weekend I was surrounded by women who encouraged me and prayed for me. On the Sunday morning God declared healing over my life and set me on a path of restoration. Now that process is still ongoing years later and it’s been a difficult and confusing journey, but through it all God keeps reminding me that His promises are true and reliable, for they are made into a resounding ‘YES’ through Christ Jesus and therefore my response is: ‘Amen’, all for the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Delight
Over 20 years ago one of the earliest prophetic words spoken over me was an invitation to delight myself in the Lord for He would give me the desires of my heart (Psalms 37:4). And I have to admit I focused more on the second part of that (the Lord giving me what I desired) rather than focusing/ delighting/ being receptive to God. Just like the opening book title, I got caught up in the selfishness of my human nature, the arrogance of wanting things and wanting them NOW. But I’m SO incredibly grateful for the fact that God is gracious and kind towards me because time after time He gently reminded me of what to focus on – delighting in Him. When I was struggling through my days of despair there was a gentle nudge to seek Him, His strength, His face which would lead me into His presence (1 Chronicles 16:11) where there is fullness of joy to be found (Psalm 16:11).
Lesson of joy
In my aim to continue my study around joy I purchased Kathi Pelton’s book “Joy” and most nights it is the last thing I read before going to sleep and it has encouraged and challenged me. In a devotion the other night Kathi talked about how she discovered a direct pathway into fellowship with Jesus was through joy. She chose to enter into fellowship with joy rather than taking the hand of sorrow, disappointment or loneliness. Kathi declares that joy is a faithful friend that is available to us. Joy offers words of encouragement and wisdom, for joy speaks the truth and shows us the right perspective. Joy is accessible and obtainable.
It is presently 3:36 a.m. and those words bring me great comfort as I collate this because I have been really struggling. Yesterday I had an awful flare up of my symptoms, I was once again feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and terribly sad. The Apostle Paul refers to our struggles as momentary, a passing trouble (2 Corinthians 4:17) but in the past it felt like the dark days would last forever or be the end of me. I remember feeling such a sense of dread and doom. And yesterday those same feelings began to stir up within me again BUT I’ve learnt that no matter what chaos is swirling around me there is ALWAYS delight to be found by reflecting upon Jesus, remembering just Who He is and what He has done. I’m slowly learning and getting into the habit of shifting my focus. When I take my attention away from my circumstances by playing worship music, reading scripture or doing a devotional study I am shifting my attention to Jesus which brings my thinking back into alignment with Him and His ways, which are ALWAYS good. So here I am, at 3:42 a.m., collating this message as a reminder for myself and hopefully as an encouragement for you.
With Joy
In September 2022 I wrote a declaration that I have been reflecting a lot on this week and trying to declare over and over:
With JOY let me embrace this season,
this moment of difficulty,
knowing that this momentary trial
is producing patient endurance.
With JOY let me look to God
and know that through this time of testing,
this moment of doubting,
that He is indeed maturing me.
With JOY let me hold on tightly to the promises of God,
even though they feel impossible,
let HOPE and blessed assurance fill me.
With JOY let me grasp hold of the Truth
that God is indeed faithful and will never
disappointment me for already His love
has been abundantly poured out into my heart
through my great Helper – the Holy Spirit.
Yes, with JOY I can praise my Lord!
Inspired by Romans 5:3-5
What about you?
Are you struggling, if so I’d love to pray for you. Are you rejoicing, if so I’d love to celebrate with you. Do you have any personal insights into joy that you can share? I’d love to hear from you. Please comment below or message me.
With many blessings,
Keona