The Blindfold of Fear

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:14 NIV

 As I make my way to the garden this morning I am thinking about the fact that walking in faith is walking through life trusting Jesus for all we do not know or understand. A trusting faith knows that some secrets are known to God alone. It occurs to me that when I walk in faith I also walk in joy.

 

Some people have the good fortune of going through life flying by the seat of their pants with not much concern for planning or organization. These people do not fret, they do not make lists, and they are simply content to just do what comes next. Unfortunately for me, I am driven by organization, list making, planning for what lies ahead, and getting my ducks in a row so that they can waddle in a straight line. Trusting in the unknown future is not my forte!

 

As I approach the garden, it is no surprise that the Master Gardner is standing at the gate and is in the process of swinging the garden gate wide open for me to enter. I think it would be an understatement to say that he is always happy to see me. We begin to walk and I notice beautiful branches of bright orange and red bittersweet providing a backdrop for a patch of beautiful yellow lilies. I begin to share with Jesus that my life is bittersweet. On a regular basis I experience ups and downs, joys and sorrows, hills and valleys. Both the good and the bad seem to salt and pepper my life. I reluctantly admit that the downs, the sorrows, and the valleys of the future are the experiences that concern me the most. I explain to Jesus that I hate blind faith; in fact it scares me to death.

 

Jesus then begins to teach me about faith. “Paula, you have it all wrong.” That statement comes as no surprise to me! Then he continues, “Walking in faith does not mean that you are to walk as though you are blindfolded, groping in the darkness, worried about stumbling over a rock, or tripping on a tree root, or worse yet, falling into a black hole.”

 

I eagerly ask, “Well Lord, what does it mean?” He replies, “Walking in faith is walking every day in the joyful light of my presence. It is steadily walking towards your goal of finishing life well and meeting me face to face in heaven. Walking by faith is setting aside all that Satan designs to trip you up. When you walk in faith you choose to press on toward the goal so that you will win the prize for which you have been called heavenward. Walking by faith is enjoying the garden and expressing gratitude for all that I have given you. Remember, even when life takes much away, I make sure that at least one thing will remain in order for you to give thanks. I promise you I will never leave your side. You must always give thanks for the obvious good and search for the hidden good as well.”

 

After this conversation it didn’t take much for me to realize that many times less is more. My possessions and my “good lifestyle” are simply a heap of frivolous trinkets and tokens of happiness, instead of real joy. It all is bittersweet and meaningless in the whole scheme of things, because in reality Jesus Christ is all I need and more than enough. My hope of heaven and my eternal reward is the icing on the cake. But to be perfectly honest, I enjoy all the good things in my life. What I don’t enjoy is taking care of those things. The maintenance fee for all we own is a high price to pay as it often robs us of what is pure, lovely, and lasting.

 

So today I want to sit a spell and dream in the garden about what my life would look like if life was not so demanding and my schedule so hectic. What would my life look like if my responsibilities were not so restraining, and if I didn’t have so much to care for? If God and I could simplify my life what would the results be? What suggestions would he have for my life? How radical would some changes be? How would all this simplicity free me up for what God says is really important?

 

Most of the time life just whips me along at a pace almost faster than sound! It’s a rare moment when I sit down and consider any radical change in my life. Recognizing and cutting the strings that bind me and discovering what is necessary and what is not is a challenge.

 

It would be unwise to clear out all of the things in our life that make us unhappy, because many times those things are necessary. For instance throwing the crying baby out with the bath water would be unwise. We have been entrusted to take care of our children no matter how hard it is or how much time it requires.  God also holds us accountable for the marital commitment we made to our spouse. Our marriages are sacred and our vows are to be honored, even if there are problems in our marriage. God also calls us to help others. Our work is both necessary and a privilege. Where we work and the amount of time we spend at work may be a matter for consideration, but basically our work is a high priority. Being a caregiver to someone is very difficult but it is also a service that is pleasing to the Lord. So what remains? What can be eliminated, scaled down, or adjusted in our life?

 

All premeditated change must be evaluated under the illumination of the light of Jesus. What would he have me set aside or give up? That is not to say that a simplified life will not continue to be busy but somehow because God is in control he multiplies our time for his glory and our good. Simplicity can be an enormous step in freeing us up to find, follow, and fellowship with Jesus. We must have faith that God has HIS plan for our life on his radar.

When God speaks of change in our life, all that is lacking is courage. Will MY lack of courage send me scampering under the brush in the garden like a timid mouse? Or will I call upon GOD’S courage to rise up within me enabling me to stand up and walk like a courageous lion. We must free up time for Jesus because it is during this time that our faith renewed. We remember that Jesus is the solid rock on which we stand. We learn his promises and we learn to lean on them as well. We see the faithfulness of God and we then have the courage to remain faithful. We learn to trust instead of fear.

“The Lion from the Tribe of Judah” lives within the hearts of all believers. We must climb upon his back and be courageous! We must walk in simple faith, not as one blindfolded with fear but as one who knows the One who holds our future can be trusted. Learning to trust the one who goes before us frees us up to enjoy more of the garden. Jesus will lovingly lead us to places we have never been before. This may be a major move, a simpler lifestyle, a dependency on someone else, a balanced budget, a new found quiet time, or time to actually enjoy our family. We must learn to trust God for the courage to throw out the unnecessary to make room for the necessary. Much of what we do is important but if we look closely we will see where we waste time and where we are expecting too much of ourselves. We will even learn how to say no to good things in order to make room for God's best.

 

I want to joyfully walk into the future. Until that day I want to walk deeper into the garden. I do not believe that it is God’s will for my life that I grope in the darkness fearing the possibility of stumbling or falling on whatever danger I perceive may be ahead. It is God’s will that I walk in the warm shining light of his love and grace as he shows me what I should sit aside and what I must embrace as I joyfully walk towards the prize.

 

Questions:

1. Do you relate to wearing the blindfold of fear as you walk into the unknown future?
2. What do you fear the most about the unknown?
3. Is what you fear really true or is your fear based on what you perceive to be true?
4. Do you see that simplicity is a tool you can use to free up some of your time?
5. Would spending more time with God equip you to step out in blind faith and trust God with all areas of your life?
6. Do you know anyone who you could trust more than God with your future?

Prayer:

 

Dear Lord,

 

As I leave the garden today I thank you for your assurance that it is possible for me to have your courage as I walk toward all that is hidden from my eyes. Lord, I ask that you would walk with me as I press on toward the prize. Remind me often that when I walk with you in peaceful trust I am walking in faith. Until I leave this world I will continue to strive to walk with you both in the garden of my heart and in the world of responsibilities and trials. Lord I am grateful for all of my countless blessings and the special joy we share in the garden. This world is beautiful and special in so many ways. I can only imagine what it will be like to walk with you in heaven’s garden. Lord Jesus, even when life deals me an unsuspected blow I thank you for the knowledge that you will never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I confess that sometimes I do not know what to pray. Thank you that you are still near me and will remain by my side until I am able to pray again. Help me Lord to choose to loosen my grip on fear and focus on the knowledge that you are leading me to the most beautiful garden of all. I know that it will be a place of exquisite beauty and perfect peace, a place to rest and relax in your love as I lay down the cumbersome binding burdens of life. I look forward to this garden of joy because it will be a place where the song of the soul will be set free and worship will be untarnished. Until that day help me to simplify my life. Help me to learn the difference between what is necessary and what is not. Help me to release the unimportant things in my life in order to make room for all that is really important. Thank you Lord, that you have not given me a spirit of fear. Help me to choose to trust you in every circumstance I face.

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

Scrapbooking Joy!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.”

Proverbs 15:30 NIV

So many people today own cameras and take photos on a regular basis. If you don’t own a camera, chances are if you are a new parent or grandparent, you will be purchasing a camera soon. We love to take photos of those we love and the places we go. We are so afraid we will forget that cute face or the beautiful scenery. I for one take lots of pictures. I’m a little overboard because I take photos of pretty table settings and yummy buffet spreads that I prepare for the holidays. I take photos of my gardens and of all the beautiful flowers I plant. I snap shots of my grandchildren doing everything from A to Z. For example: picking apples – viewing a zebra at the zoo! I also take photos of every extended family event and gathering we attend. When our friends visit, guess what…yep…snap, snap! Our holidays are recorded for future generations to enjoy!  Not only do I take hundreds of photos I am also an avid scrapbooker.

 

I take pleasure in scrapbooking because it seems to be a way of preserving our memories for our family to enjoy. Scrapbooking also allows me to make comments and record stories of God’s faithfulness to our family. Hopefully, the pages that I so lovingly put together will be a tangible legacy to remind those who follow that we loved God and each other. I also find scrapbooking to be a restful hobby that allows my creative juices to flow! In a strange sort of way scrapbooking also provides me with a type of rest and relaxation that squishes out the stress in life brought on by my responsibilities.

 

I don’t exactly know why I feel I need to take these photos when I actually have a very active photographic memory. When someone offends me, I take my imaginary camera and snap a photo of that event. When someone takes advantage of me, I snap that shot as well. When someone speaks unkind words to me I take a photo and save it to be carefully placed in my mind’s scrapbook of memories. When I am pushed aside or overlooked by another that certainly is a Kodak moment! All throughout my day Satan says, snap that, take that, did you get that one? Satan loves for me to scrapbook all the pain and hurt I have experienced in life. The purpose is to preserve in my mind those negative memories in my mental scrapbook so that I can my relive my pain and remember my offenders over and over again. Not to mention the mileage I will get out of sharing those photos with others.

 

But Jesus says, “No my daughter. Do not harm yourself in this negative way. Give those photos to me. It is not your battle to fight or to remember. I am a just God. Vengeance belongs to me not you. Scrapbooking all the negative stuff in your life will only drag you down. It will cripple your spirit and make you an ineffective Christian. In no way will viewing these photos ever glorify me. I know that you may always remember the hurt you have experienced but you must choose not to focus on the same events over and over again.”

 

Deep down in my spirit I know that Jesus is right. I know that Jesus remembers the events that brought him pain and suffering. He remembers the trial, the mockery, and his friends forsaking him. No doubt he remembers the pain of the scourging, the long walk to Golgotha, the cross, the humiliation, the unkind words, and the crucifixion. But our Lord did not and does not focus on those things. Instead he considered it all joy to do the will of his Father, even his death on the cross. He chose to focus on his love for His Father and for all humanity. His job was to redeem not remember.

 

So today I will walk in the garden enjoying the first evidences of spring. The green shoots of our daffodils are poking through the soil in the wooded area of our back yard. There are tiny buds on the redbuds, and the beautiful hellebores are blooming! This newness signifies for me a fresh start. It is a glorious day to ponder my Savior and his perfect ways. As I think about Jesus and his attitude I am persuaded to let this same mind that was in Christ Jesus be also in me. I am convicted to search my heart and find any stray photos that I may have forgotten to destroy. I want to burn my mental scrapbook of negative photos once and for all. Every photo I have ever taken recording the wrongs that were meant for my harm must be destroyed. I dare not hang on to even one. It will be good for me to remember that “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 NIV So I will strive to look and see only those things that bring joy to my spirit. Today I am going to resolve to take only future photos that reflect a cheerful look and will bring joy to my heart and to the hearts of others. These beautiful photos will not be damaging but instead they will help me share the gospel of good news and give health to my bones and to the bones of others.

 

My next scrapbook will be a creation of joyful happy memories. There will be photos to help me remember God’s faithfulness and provision. I will pile up stones of remembrance and take a photograph so that I will always recall the many times God has shown up in my life and in the lives of all those I love. I will snap photos of all his abundant blessings! I know right now that one single album will not contain the whole of all the positive photos I have been privileged to save in the scrapbook of my heart. I will share these photos with all who will look at my scrapbook and God will be glorified! Yes, this will be a scrapbook of joy filled with beautiful, memorable, mental photos of praise and snapshots of gratitude as I recall God’s faithfulness to me.

 

Questions:

1. Are you currently harboring a scrapbook of negative photos in your heart?
2. Do you find that reliving old hurts and pain is damaging your spirit?
3. Would you consider mentally burning your scrapbook of past offenses?
4. Are you willing to ask God to help you begin a new scrapbook of God’s faithfulness and provision to you?
5. Will you be sure to also scrapbook photos of your joy, praise, and gratitude?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Harboring past pain and hurt is so damaging. Forgive me when I choose to take photos of my hurt, my pain, and at times my broken heart. Forgive me when I carefully preserve and embellish each of these photos in a scrapbook for safe keeping. Give me a love for you that overshadows my own selfish interests. Falling in love with you Jesus is what I want to do. I want to be so busy loving you that I will not even notice when someone offends me. Keep me scrapbooking the joyful times you have so lovingly blessed me with over the years. I want to record the peace and joy that I have experienced even in times of trouble. These are wonderful memories not to be forgotten. I want to remember every precious memory you have woven into the tapestry of my life. Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, grace and faithfulness to me. Now Jesus, smile for the camera…I want to take a huge photo of you that I can share with others. I know that I can not really do this so I pray that you will do what you do best. I pray that you will change me in ways that will reflect who you are so that others may see you through me.

 

Jesus, it is in your name I pray. Amen.

Is Life Really Like A Box Of Chocolates?

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8 NIV

On Valentine’s Day we women love to be romanced and told we are loved. I believe that men also enjoy special attention as well. We especially like surprises! Nothing says love to a woman like a beautiful red rose unless it’s a box of chocolates that we DO NOT need! Dinner out is nice and a surprise weekend is even better! But what if none of the above happens? Does that mean we are unloved, unappreciated, or not worthy of someone’s love? I don’t think so. Some of you may be broken hearted by a lost love. Others of you may have chosen to live the single life and love it!

 

Someone once said that life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get. In some ways that is so true. One bite might be a delicious creamy milk chocolate with a butter cream filling, another might be a chewy caramel that pulls out expensive dental work, and still another might be dark chocolate nougat. Each bite holds a surprise all of its own. Yes, life is a bit like that. When we depend on the world for happiness we always come up short. Jobs are lost, the bank account is depleted, people disappoint and fail us, friends forsake us, illness overcomes us, and death separates us. However, it is occurring to me this Valentine’s week that when the chocolates we receive are from the hand of God we get a very different box of chocolates and we know exactly what to expect! There is not a single chocolate in God’s box of candy that is not delectably delicious. At times we blame God when we get a bad chocolate, but that is a wrong assumption.

 

Imagine for a moment the doorbell rings and it is Jesus! First he flashes you his captivating smile, then he hands you his beautiful “handmade” rose picked especially for you from his own personal garden. Then he presents you with a beautiful RED HEART box of chocolates that is topped with a pure white bow. It is no mistake that this gift is a gift of love that symbolizes his heart’s blood that was shed for your sin. But now his once mutilated body has been healed, restored, risen and glorified! The pure white bow on top of this heart shaped box shimmers in the sunlight as it radiates with the message of God’s love and your hope of heaven.

 

Because of this miracle of love and grace, my life has also been transformed. My sin has been forgiven, my sinful heart has been washed clean, and I have been restored back into the family of God. I also know beyond a shadow of doubt that some day I will rise up to live with the Lord forever and my body will also be glorified, for I shall be like him! It is this transformed life and hope of eternal glory that all believers share.

 

On this Valentine’s Day my glorification has not yet taken place. I remain here in this life with all of its trials and disappointments. In my humanness I am still dust. But as I live out my days, as I wait, God’s valentine chocolates are plentiful, sweet, and always available to me. It is amazing to me that when I eat the chocolates found in the box of life, sometimes there are many delicious bites to be enjoyed and savored. Other times I may bite into a chocolate and it may surprise me because it is not the chocolate I had hoped for. However, it is a chocolate I must eat. But my Lord is so good! He knows when I get a chocolate that is not so good. When this happens the lover of my soul reminds me that his ways are pleasant and sweet. One by one he replaces the not so good chocolates of life with the scrumptious chocolates of his grace, love, joy, comfort, and peace. These chocolates are sweet and satisfying. In life’s box of chocolates the truth is, we never know what we are going to get, but our Lord does and he stands ready to replace that which is hard to swallow with his sweet tasting chocolates that have been hand dipped in his agape love. We never have to fear what is in our Lord’s box of chocolates because they always taste of his goodness and mercy.

 

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Most of the time God’s chocolates always make me crave for just one more! Each of his chocolates is unique and complete. I think that you will find that they are the yummiest chocolates you will every taste! These chocolates are plentiful and I always know exactly what I am going to get. With our Lord Jesus Christ everyday is Valentine’s Day because we are his beloved! Even in times of despair we can trust that Jesus will bring only the finest of chocolates to our door.

 

Questions:

1. What chocolate are you currently eating from life’s box of chocolates?
2. Have you found that often they taste good going down but then leave you unsatisfied?
3. When you get to the end of life’s box of chocolates will there be more for you?
4. Have you ever eaten the delicious chocolates that are from the heart of Jesus?
5. Do you find Jesus’ chocolates to be satisfying and plentiful?
6. Which of his chocolates are you enjoying the most this Valentine’s Day?

…and don’t forget…even men need chocolates!

 Prayer:

 Dear Jesus,

 Thank you for being the lover of my soul. Lord I pray for those who may feel unloved on this day. Wrap your arms of love around them and help them to know that you will never leave them or forsake them. Help them to rejoice in the knowledge that you are the lover of their soul. If they do not know you, I pray they will seek to know you this very day.  Father, today I thank you for my salvation that entitles me to eat from your hand of love and grace. Your gifts of love, peace, joy, faithfulness, comfort, and hope are all that I really need. Thank you that your gifts are fresh and new every morning and your promises are sure and true. Your compassion and mercy has made you a Father who loves all his children and provides exactly what we need. This very special Valentine’s Day I am thankful for all those in my life who love me, but above all I am thankful for your abundant love. So today I praise you, I worship you, I adore you because you love my soul so much that you died for me. You paid the price and you alone are worthy of my praise and love.

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

Unpolluted Joy

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4 NIV

 If you lived in or near a city in the 50’s you probably remember uncontrolled pollution. Factories spewed out rolling billows of black smoke from their smokestacks. Semi trucks, cars, and buses collectively spilled out exhaust fumes as they traveled down the road. I remember my husband saying that as a child he used to like to hang his head out of the car window and smell the exhaust fumes from the diesel buses that passed by. He always has been a little weird! In those days people rolled down their car windows and threw their trash along the roadside. Streams and lakes were dumping grounds. Year after year our world was becoming more and more polluted. Looking back I see that we have made amazing progress in cleaning up much of our world. At times we may even forget what the pollution of the past looked like.

 

Our world is not the only thing that can become polluted. Our minds and our hearts can also become full of filthy sin, nasty attitudes, and selfish motives all robbing us of pure joy. As believers we are told to consider the trials that enter our life as pure joy. To me and you that may seem a little sadistic. Who in their right mind is happy about problems? Who looks forward to the next disaster about to happen? Who doesn’t cringe in the face of unwanted adversity?

 

As believers we may put on the mask of pretend joy because we know that is what we are supposed to do. But the real truth may be that even though we are smiling on the outside, deep within we are a basket case, a train about to derail, or a bomb about to explode. The mask of deceptive joy says the right words but feels very different emotions. On the other hand, pure joy understands that life is not always perfect and in this world sin thrives. At times we are overcome with sadness and we know that which concerns us might not end well. The fact is our emotions are raw.  The heavenly truth is that God will see us through to the end of our earthly trials. We know that at the end of life’s dark tunnel, even in the worse case scenarios, we will experience eternal life in heaven. That is the source of our joy. Jesus experienced this very thing when facing the cross. He knew that here on this earth things would not end well. But he fixed his eyes on the Father and doing the Father’s will. Jesus’ joy came from knowing that the Father was accomplishing great things for mankind though his obedient work of perseverance and total surrender.

 

When we experience pure unpolluted joy we understand a heavenly secret. We trust God. We know that God will use this bump in the road, this heartache, this pain in our life, or our loss for our eternal good. The Bible tells us that in this life we will have trouble. We will experience trails of many kinds and if we are wise we will prepare for these times.

 

So today I am wondering how can I prepare for these difficult times. First of all I must believe that the Bible is true. God’s Word teaches all of us that it is because of God’s great love for us that he allows trials to come into our life. We must remind our self often, that if we belong to God, he has each one of us on a path that leads to heaven. Along the road of life God is perfecting us and we are a life long work in progress. Our holy sanctification is brought about as God uses the tools of trials to perfect us for glory. Very simply, our trials test both our faith in God and our faithfulness to God. Only a Father of love would want to make us the best we could possibly be. Our trials are designed to develop perseverance. Trials can also provide an opportunity to strengthen our resolve to be a person who is determined to trust God and seek the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our trials.

 

Of course, we can always choose to curse God or become bitter and angry when we are involved in a difficult situation, facing a huge challenge, or experiencing the darkness of loss. We can give up on God. But the wonderful thing is God does not give up on us! As long as we live we will encounter more and more opportunities to both need God and to trust God. Because we live in a fallen world we will always face trials. However, God will continue to use these opportunities to pursue us by using the trials that come into our life for our eternal good. God loves it when our response to our trials is divine joy that is grounded in our heavenly hope, because this glorifies him!

 

We must persevere! We must learn to overcome life’s trials because God’s Word tells us that perseverance must finish its work. When we choose to believe that God is able to mature us in the midst of our trial God begins to work in our life. If our thinking is based on our emotions we will never understand how this can be true. But when we choose to trust God beyond our emotions we will miraculously understand that God is using our trial as a tool to test our faith and for that we can experience pure, unpolluted joy in our soul. This inward joy and peace is not to be confused with outward happiness. When we understand this difference we will begin to see our trials through our Father’s eyes not our eyes. God has promised us that we will be mature, complete, and lacking in nothing by the time we meet him face to face if we choose to persevere. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

 

I must be aware of the fact that fear, bitterness and self-pity are the tools that Satan will use to keep me from embracing joy. Perseverance is watching and waiting to see what God will do with my pain. Sooner or later God will reveal to me what he was doing in my life during my time of suffering. In this life we may never understand because our minds cannot comprehend the workings of our Creator. But without a doubt, God will reveal it all to me in heaven and I will finally understand the unanswered questions of my life.

 

So today, here in the garden of my heart I am staring at a prickly cactus. These needles are a reminder to me of the pain in my life and in the lives of others I know. It is so typical that even among the needles of trails God cushions all of our lives with blessings. This beautiful blooming cactus sings of pure joy and so today I choose to do the same. My joy is not for what is but for what will be because of his great love for me. It is a love that draws me to my maker and Savior. It is a love that is bent on making me the best I can be. Some days, even in the midst of pain, I just have to wonder, God, why are you so good to me? Why would you even care about the trials in my life? Why do you try so hard to make me into your image? I realize that it is simply because I am his precious child and he loves me with an everlasting love.

 

It is often really hard for me to see how God is using my pain and suffering. Yet, if I choose to praise God who both gives and takes away, others will notice. I must never forget that others are being affected and influenced by my response to God in the midst of my trials. When I cannot see God’s work in my life I must look at someone else, who I consider to be dealing with adversity in a godly way. I must look at the people in my life who are positive believers who have chosen to overcome their trial by trusting our Sovereign God.  They all wear T-shirts that say, “He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!” It is another joyful day in the garden as I realize that in all things God IS good!

 

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced pure joy?
2. Have you allowed your joy to become polluted?
3. What is the remedy for this pollution?
4. How does it make you feel to know that God loves you so much that he allows trials into your life?
5. Do you find joy in knowing that your trials are calling you to hang in there so that perseverance can finish its work?
6. What is God’s goal for you?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

How amazed I am that you are perfect in every way. You are lacking in nothing. You are good. I on the other hand need work. Living in a sinful world has given me many occasions for trials. I pray that you will help me hang in there and trust you to use my trials for my good and your glory. God, I pray with all my heart that things will end well, but if they don’t, I will still choose to trust you.  I know you don’t expect me to rejoice in my trials and sorrow because that is not the definition of pure joy. Pure joy is based on heavenly hope that is waiting for us within the gates of heaven. God I am so glad that you do not expect me to find joy in the tragedy, pain, suffering, tears and challenges of this life. I know that your goal for me is not a perfect life now. Your goal is that I will be like you in heaven. It is this knowledge and hope that fills me with your pure joy. God, I love you and I thank you that you are finishing the work you began in me the day I began to follow you. Father, I pray that you will mature me and complete me so that I will be found lacking in nothing. I am amazed that you love me this much! Help me to face my trials with pure joy. I pray that others will be blessed and encouraged by my life as I choose day by day to respond to you as I consider my trials as joy.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Joy Is My Source Of Strength

“…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10b

 The garden is a lovely place to walk. I love the way the pathways wind in and out of the tall shade trees. The paths are lined with hundreds of lush green hosta and feathery ferns. Hellebore's nod their blooming heads under the canopy of this cool umbrella of shade. My path leads past fragrant lilac bushes all wearing cone shaped blossoms of lavender and deep purple. Ahead the yellow forsythia and the pink and white dogwoods provide a feast for my eyes. As I take the fork in the pathway, I find that I am headed towards a mixture of beautiful perennials. The tall phlox, day lilies, and daisies dance with joy in the warm breeze. The pathway now twists past the rose garden and the aroma is sweet. There are many pathways that I will not follow today because there is never enough time. In the distance a see the azalea and rhododendron garden and I long to visit that pathway but instead I stay on the path and enjoy looking at a striking display of aromatic herbs. The last turn today allows me to walk among a breathtaking display of iris that ends at the edge of the reflection pond. It is here I will linger because I am in a reflective mood. The tranquil water lilies rest in perfect peace as they float on the water in simple faith. My spirit longs to float alongside of these beauties, always trusting that God will hold me up in all of the circumstances of life I will encounter.

 

I will sit awhile and allow Jesus, the Master Gardner to sit with me as well. The word strength comes to mind and I begin to pray. “Lord, I admit I am not feeling very strong these days. I seem to have more to do than I have energy to accomplish. I do not feel that I am on overload and I do not feel stressed, but I do feel uneasiness in my spirit that makes me feel a bit anxious and concerned. I am definitely feeling a little deficient in my spirit. I am aware that I need to have a surge of energy that comes only from deep within my spirit.” I bow my head in contemplative silence. Then the Master Gardner whispers one simple word in my ear, “Joy”.

 

I begin to mentally list all of my possessions that I am thankful for but realize that these things do not bring me joy. I think about all of the activities that I enjoy, these activities make me happy, but still that is not joy. I begin to consider the upcoming events in my future that I am looking forward to; I anticipate having a blast but previous experience tells me that these events will not make me feel joyful. I am deeply blessed with a loving family which, in this life, means more to me than life itself! They give my life happiness on so many levels, still, even though they love me more than I could even dream to be possible, my family is not the source of my joy.

 

For sure, joy is not happiness. No, joy is an emotion of the soul. This joy is found only in Jesus Christ. I remember that God’s Word says, “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  That’s it! More joy equals more strength and my source of joy is the Lord. I must change my thinking. I must think about the Lord, NOT me. Oh how easy it is for me to slip into the all consuming “me” mode.

 

Even though things are less than perfect and there is much to do I know that the joy of Jesus will strengthen me. I sometimes think that the more I have the more I have to care for and the more I do the busier I become. Seeking happiness and pleasure often makes me bone weary and exhausted as I prepare for the next wave of pleasure. Often my busy schedule robs me of time with Jesus and that in turns robs me of the joy that Jesus so wants to share with me everyday. I must never forget that the joy of the Lord is my source of strength. Perhaps my energy level today has fallen to a new low because I am feeling a hint of discontentment and discouragement. God’s Word tells me not to worry because the Lord and his joy will be my antidote! I will receive my strength from the joy inside my spirit when I turn my focus from myself and instead focus on God and his amazing attributes.

 

So here at the refection pond I began to count the ways that Jesus is my joy! First of all, I am so thankful for this beautiful garden where I am privileged to meet with Jesus. This personal relationship is awesome. The garden gate is always open and my Lord is always waiting for me in the garden. Then I begin to think about the fact that Jesus paid for my sin by dying for me on the cross. I am free to sing and dance because he has freed me from my sin that separated me from God. How joyful is that? That is total joy! Then I begin to think about the fact that Jesus is my Shepherd, he cares for me in ways that no one else has ever cared. He goes before me and shows me the way. Jesus walks along beside me because he is the best friend I have ever had. Jesus walks behind me to give me encouragement every step of my earthly journey. Jesus’ presence is above me as my protector and he is my provider. Jesus lives inside of me and gives me his peace in a world where peace is a stranger. The most joyous thought of all, Jesus is my hope of eternal glory.

 

Right now I am little tearful but I assure you they are tears of joy. I must leave the garden and go back to my daily responsibilities, but for sure my heart will not walk. My heart will skip, run, dance and leap for joy because I have just spent a joyful time in the garden. Without a doubt, Jesus My Lord and Savior is my joy and that wonderful knowledge gives me strength. Jesus has promised me that he will never leave me or forsake me. When circumstances of life cast a shadow on my happiness, I want to remember that Jesus is my source of inner joy and that joy is my strength at all times and in every situation. Even though my circumstance may be hard and life may deliver a blow that knocks me off my feet, still there is a silver lining that covers my heart and protects my Spirit. I rejoice in the knowledge that there is more to life than this life. Joy today and eternal joy for all my tomorrows! This is my strength.

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced the joy of the Lord?
2. Do you relate to sometimes feeling a little deficient in the joy department?
3. Have you tried to make yourself, your possessions, and your activities and accomplishments the source of your joy?
4. Is Satan a “joy buster” in your life as he tries to make you feel discontent, discouraged, or depressed?
5. Do you feel a need to reflect on the joy you have in Jesus?
6. Do you know that if you are not in a personal relationship with Jesus you will never experience the joy of Jesus because joy is reserved only for those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Forgive me when I depend upon myself and others for my source of joy. Forgive me for believing that financial gain, possessions and accomplishments will satisfy me and provide joy. Father, I know that eventually all of these things will pass away and what I believe to be my cup of joy will indeed be empty. Jesus you are the joy of living. Regardless of my circumstance I am ecstatic that you totally encompass all that is necessary for me to experience joy that is unspeakable. Only your joy inside of me will last forever. Today I want to meet with you in the garden of my heart. I want to stay in your presence until my joy cup runs over. I do not ask for strength today but rather I ask for your joy because your joy is the source of my strength. Thank you for your precious gift of joy.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

 

 

If you are not a believer, I encourage you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today. Simply pray and ask God to forgive your sin and to bring His joy into your life.

Living A Charmed Life

 

“If the LORD delights in a man’s way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble,

he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 NIV

Today I am thinking about how nice it would be to be living a charmed life. You know the type of life I am talking about. Be happy, no worries. We all know people who seem to live a charmed life. They have excellent health, an amazing spouse, perfect children and grandchildren, and plenty of money. These folks travel and lay on sunny beaches. They eat in the best restaurants and shop and spend till they drop. They do not worry about the details of living because others are doing their work while they play. Realistically, this sounds a little bit like they live on “Fantasy Island”. Yet in the world we live in it seems that there are many who are chasing after all of the above. Many people pretend to have achieved the brass ring of the good life on the outside but on the inside there is pain, sadness, regrets, discontentment, disappointment, and a longing for the next thing to bring them happiness.

 

It is in the garden of my heart that Jesus speaks his truth. “Paula, this type of living is not the charmed life!” At his suggestion, I take off my rose colored glasses and instantly my vision begins to take in the beauty of God’s garden. This garden is real, vibrant, and beautiful no matter what season of life I find myself experiencing. The grape hyacinths bloom a beautiful deep blue announcing the peace of Jesus, the red geraniums flash bright colors of indescribable joy, the mums of autumn are warm and soothing, reminding me of the warmth of God’s everlasting love. When the winter of life comes to my garden, God covers life’s interruptions of sorrow with a white blanket of peace. Even in those times of sorrow, if I will choose to look, I will always find a ray of God’s glorious sunshine. Yes, this indeed is living the charmed life.

 

The charmed life is available to all who will believe in Jesus Christ and choose to follow him into the garden of personal growth. It is here those who have found Jesus experience his divine glory. God’s glory shines in the garden of our hearts and comforts us in our times of need. His glory is revealed when we experience the joy that is always the result of our gratitude. God’s love allows us to look into the mind of our Savior, Jesus Christ so we might leave the garden of prayer a person, who is filled with his love, mercy, and grace. God desires that we walk life’s journey in peace because we trust our Lord to make our steps firm. When we live this way God will take delight in us. Even though we may stumble, make mistakes, or fall Jesus is always holding us with his strong hand. He upholds us in all that concerns us. This is living the charmed life! As a follower of Jesus Christ we are privileged to walk daily in a warm and personal relationship with him. In this life it really never gets any better than that!

I am reminded that all our provisions and blessings come straight from the hand of God. Curiously, it is the believer that expresses gratitude to God. Still because of God’s great love he blesses even those who do not stop to offer him gratitude. They are spiritually bankrupt because they do not know the source of their provision and their many blessings. The reality of the true charmed life continues to elude them as they listen only to the voices of deception. This message fills the minds of these individuals and they become self-centered in their desires and prideful of all they achieve. They do not need God because they are their own source of blessing. But at the very least, the truth is, without God’s breath of life within them and the gifts and talents he has endowed them with, they could do nothing.

I am about to leave the garden but before I leave the Master Gardener gives me some words of warning. “Paula, remember life is meaningless without me. Satan is a roaring lion seeking to enter your mind and destroy all that is good in your garden. He wants you to have no part of God’s charmed life. Remember, in this world you will have trouble. Your life is a continual ebb and flow. Good times will wash out to sea and bad times will rush to your shore. There will be times of sickness and health, and times of plenty and times of need, and you will experience both joy and sorrow. Do not be deceived by Satan’s lie that says I do not care, because I care deeply. Do not become discontent with where you are in life. Remember I have your hand. Another word of warning, discontentment is a major tool of Satan. Chasing after what is not important can be fatal. Contentment with my daily provision and care for you will be strength to your bones. I know what you need physically, mentally, and spiritually. Do not believe that the grass is greener in your neighbor’s yard. Stop comparing yourself to others. Do not believe that others live a charmed life while you are faced with the real problems of life. Bear in mind you will have all that you need at the exact moment you need it, you must trust me. I have your back and all I have is yours. Do not fear the outcome of the black and white facts of life, rather trust me. In this life some things may not end well from an earthly perspective but I will never leave you or forsake you. Heaven’s gates are open wide and you have a seat at my table. Even during the times when life trips you up you may stumble but you will not fall. Under you are my everlasting arms. The “ultimate” charmed life will be revealed to you in eternity. Stay with me until then.”

Questions:

 

1. What do you believe the charmed life to be?
2. Do you consider yourself at this moment to be content or discontent?
3. What is your source of discontentment?
4. Who is the source of your contentment?
5. How does God describe the charmed life?
6. What will you do this year to deepen your relationship with God so that you might recognize the charmed life God has for you each day?

 

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have so much to be thankful for. Even if the pay check doesn’t come or reports from the doctor are not good, still there is so much to be thankful for. Even if the winds of natural disaster blow over all I own, I will still find reason to praise and worship you. Rock bottom is never a place I want to go but if I find myself there help me to trust that you are holding my hand. Jesus, forgive me when I slip into the sin of discontentment that destroys my focus and cancels my hope. Help me to re-evaluate my priorities and then give them to you for arranging. Lord, I don’t want to overload myself with the trivial and insignificant things of life and as a result snuff out the charmed life you have planned for me. Help me to know that sometimes I must say no to good things so that I can have time to spend with you and the family you have given me. Father, I know that the charmed life is a life that cannot be earned, purchased, or achieved. The charmed life is in fact learning to recognize and enjoy the gifts that you freely and abundantly give to me as I walk daily in a relationship with you. I treasure my salvation. I am blessed to be the recipient of your love, joy, and peace. I rejoice in the hope I have of heaven. Jesus, I thank you for blessing me with your charmed life both now and eternally.

In your name I pray. Amen.