Joy is a Journey

 

Often in life, we face opportunities with dread and we worry about our performance and the way we will be judged on that performance. We danced around our abilities, make excuses for talents we don’t process and generally try to set the bar low so we can succeed. We are so afraid to look bad, and so fearful that others may think we have no business trying to stretch, that we miss out on the joy of trying.

That is not the way we were created

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 NLT

God’s adoption of us is a rescue of every creative part of our soul. It liberates the stagnant, lifeless core of our heart and frees it to not only experience life, but to express it as well. It’s not about the gifts or talents (or the lack of), it’s about love… we share life because we love Him.

That’s the journey of joy

This past Sunday, the youth ran our church service, from worship to closing, and it was beautiful. Although many that served yesterday are actively involved normally, this was an opportunity for them to listen to God in a whole new way. For my daughter Sarah, this was a step of faith, the Father gave her a word to share and she had to trust that she wasn’t going to “ruin church” by being obedient. Here is the recording of that word, I hope you’ll listen (it’s only about 5 mins.) and be blessed. I know it blessed my heart to see her step up and be used by Father God in such a new and powerfully encouraging way.

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Psalm 126:2