This past Monday was Women's Night at The Life Centre. To add an intimate touch to the evening, each of the women in our Lifegroup wrote out a word of encouragement into a card and gave it to someone. This is what God put on my heart to write. These words were inspired by something I read in my Mom's Devotional Bible.
"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God. But where do you find Joy? You can find it in God's presence. If you want Joy, read your bible, not just the devotional. Read the actual words of God in the pages of the bible - a few small scriptures with your morning coffee. Remember them while you're in the shower, on your way to work, on your lunch breaks, before you turn out the lights at night. Joy comes when you adjust your perspective on life to God's. And that happens by reading his Word and spending time in his presence."
Today I realized something. I am very happy, but I am not joyful - there is a difference. I want to find Joy in all circumstances. I want Joy to bubble up from inside of me and rub off on my kids. For a split second this morning I thought to myself, "Well, how do I get Joy?" And I immediately answered my own question. In God's presence.
I haven't been spending any time in God's presence. I pray, I think of him often and thank him throughout my day, I open my bible while kids are eating, but I have not spent time in his presence in weeks - maybe even months. You see, God wants us to abide in him, not just visit him occasionally (John 8:31). Jesus will actually dwell, abide and make his permanent home in our hearts. His presence will cause us to be rooted deep in love so that we can experience Joy and the complete fullness of God.
My goal is to spend time in God's presence every day - whether it be 5 minutes or an hour.
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3 comments:
I know Trace...that IS the key to it all eh?, to everything that sastifies. Some days it seems so easy to make the time just to be with Him...no agenda, no checklist...just hang out and laugh and/or cry with Him. But other days...weeks, the time seems to fly by with barely time for bible reading let alone hanging out time. And then when I'm really stressed out, grouchy and discouraged, I remember...Oh yeah, I need to hang out with my very, very best friend. And you're right, then we do abide in Him. He seems closer and we talk all through the day. I don't find that, if I just read my bible and have some prayer time. I really need to also sit in his presence and listen to Him, feel His presence...soaking!!
Our Lord wants to fill you with His Joy Tracy. That is why He created you.
It true in his presence there is anointing...."
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