God's Intent was Joy!

Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),

Today’s devotion included below “What Word Will You Not Choose this Year?” is a reminder from GiG Holley that, “When we take the ‘shoulds’ off the table we find out why we’re really waking up in the morning and our true purpose.” And then she goes on to say, “As an unintended consequence, fear and guilt could become the motivation behind what I did rather than love.”

GiG, this is the second time in as many weeks that I have heard this alluded to. In the book, The Love Code by Alexander Lloyd, he writes, “Virtually every problem or lack of happiness and success comes from an internal state of fear in some form—even physical problems. And every internal state of fear results from a deficit of love in relation to that particular issue.” In other words, do whatever you do from an inward state of love, focusing on the present moment. The NIV Bible instructs us in this way…

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

The people wept openly when they heard God’s laws and realized how far

they were from obeying them. But Ezra told them they should be filled with joy because the day was holy. It was time to celebrate and to give gifts to those in need.

GiG, in our success driven world we can get so caught up in where we’re going we can miss where we are. Surely, it’s time for a bit of spontaneity.

May we be encouraged to realize God intended for us to have joy in our lives not happiness. If you didn’t know joy and happiness are very different feelings, but wonderful feelings to experience nonetheless. Joy comes when we make peace with God in who we are, why we are and how we are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events. Maybe it’s time we make joy a central theme in our lives instead of happiness. It’s time to say, Yes, Lord and smile from ear-to-ear.

And just like that, God brings from my memory the words of Bill Gather’s song, Joy Comes in the Morning. Maybe you remember the song, but if not read the words and let them penetrate the deepest recesses of your mind and heart.

If you've knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart

When the things you gave your life to fell apart

You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain

But the master promised sunshine after rain

Hold on my child joy comes in the morning

Weeping only last for the night

Hold on my child Joy comes in the morning

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight

To invest your seeds of trust in God in mountains you can't move

You have risked your life on things you cannot prove

But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose

Now, that's the way to find the joy God has for you

God’s Got It…so we can GROW—Although the world is loaded with danger, serious issues and worry, help is on the way…find joy over happiness in life this very day. DEA

Have a “Tickle Me” Thursday, January 31, 2019—“be joyful always” (1 Thess. 5:16 NIV).

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA

Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and Loving My Priorities, Loving My Life