Joyful When I Feel Lost?

There’s no warm up in Psalm 33. It’s a full-blown “Hallelujah! Let’s get up and praise God!” kind of song.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

“What about when life feels so hard? What if I don't want to? Why should I?”

 

Those days to go back to the foundational training, the questions we've all had to answer in our faith journey. Is God who He says He is? Will He do what He said He'd do? Is His Word true?

 

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Let’s switch gears a bit… Imagine for a moment that you are a pilot. Trained by the best, and given all the resources you need to fly successfully. Each time you fly, you have choices. Do what you’ve been trained to do... or wing it. Pardon the pun. Be sure to use that instrument panel; flying by sight alone, especially in bad weather, can get you killed.

Do you see the parallel to life?

We can choose to "fly blind" by emotion or use the instruments God provides for proper perspective. He is the Master Trainer. He made the rules of the universe and knows how to help us navigate life.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap...

For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

 

Believing these verses are true, what can we do when we feel lost in a cloudy mess?

1. Breathe. Take a breath. Breathing helps us separate THIS moment from the moment we just left. It gives us a bit of oxygen to think better. Breathing is good.

2. Trust. Get your bearings and trust those instruments. Remember what God’s taught you and choose to trust Him.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

...the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 

3. Remember grace is on-going.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

 

…I am confident of this very thing,

that He who began a good work in you

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6, NASB

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 

Somehow, in all of life's messes, Abba God meets us - FAITHFULLY. We might not FEEL peace or joy today. We don't know when we'll come through the clouds to a blue sky. Yet we have TRUTH printed on pages that we can pick up. We are held in the hands of a mighty God who is much, much bigger and stronger than any storm we face.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

That is why we can, and will...

Sing joyfully to the LORD...
it is fitting for [us] to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 

Abba God, You are beautiful. The way You work is beautiful. I'm so glad You know what I face and how to get me through today. Remind me when I look at the sky, that You are the One who made all I see... and when I look down, that You direct my paths. Give me the courage to praise You even in the storms. Have your way in me, Abba God. I know I can trust You. Help me live like it.Sustain those who are weary. Bind us the wounds of those who love You. In Jesus' name.

- Scripture portions from Psalm 33

Joy is forever. A Shepherd's Joy series (4)

We all have days when joy seems miles away and unobtainable, especially when we find ourselves in the shadow of insurmountable giants. 

David knew all about giants. In fact, he was still a shepherd boy when he took on Goliath. Seems fitting to include him in "A Shepherd's Joy" series. 

Since he found himself in many more terrifying situations than most of us will ever face, I'm thinking we should pay attention when he writes about joy. 

Here's what he declared his source of joy to be in the midst of great turmoil:

O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy;

And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

- Psalm 43:3-5, click here to open NASB & MSG Paraphrase

Joy isn't man-made. 

It's found in our God. Since HE is able to do more than we can imagine or ask, there is always hope for JOY even in the most discouraging of days, because GOD IS WITH US!

Abba God, thank You for giving hope for JOY in every day, and  for David's story. Remind me when I feel anything other than joy that YOU are my exceeding joy; that drawing near to YOU is the answer in all circumstances. Give me courage to cry out something like David did:

Show me the way to You, Abba,

for You are my exceeding joy and

I will praise You!

Come on, girl! Why are you so down?

Hope in God, for He will make me smile again. He is my God!

In Jesus' name...

 

On whom God's favor rests. A Shepherd's Joy Series (3)

When I read about the heavenly choir's song, it completely makes sense to me that the angels gave glory to God when Jesus was born. Yet, their blessing of peace intrigues me.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth

peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:13-14, NIV

"... on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." - NAS

What does this mean? On whom DOES God’s favor rest? With whom is He pleased? 

Throughout the Old Testament, God shows mankind what pleases Him: live right out of a holy fear, love mercy and justice. These things were more important than sacrifices. In the New Testament, Scripture clearly states God is set apart and all of us have fallen short.

In this verse - the only occurrence of this particular word/form - "eudokia" is the idea of God taking good pleasure in showing His kindness. It's the same idea, spoken throughout Paul's letters especially, that God extends His good will toward mankind because He wanted to. 

"... on earth peace, good will toward men." - KJV

And I am reminded... This proclamation is BIG! Revolutionary! NEW! 

No longer will mankind have to try to attain God's favor.

It's God's kind intention... Undeserved.

That's something to celebrate! Joy to the world, indeed!

Abba God, thank You for sharing the big news with the shepherds and for "changing the rules" so we can know You. I'm so thankful for your gift of Jesus. Soften my heart more each year to the amazing NEW promise You gave through Jesus. Thank You for showing me The Way. Your kindness is beyond my comprehension... When I dwell on knowing You and your kindness forever, I am humbled. Who am I? Wow... Speak clearly with your grace and truth to those around me who don't yet know your peace. As I wait, I will continue to say, "Glory to God in the highest!" For You reconciled us to You through Christ Jesus, bringing us peace and favor in His sight! Hallelujah! In Jesus' name...

Joy Permeates. A Shepherd's Joy Series (2)

The shepherds found Jesus, rejoiced and shared (Luke 2). And then? Back to their daytime jobs.
 
For weeks afterwards, the shepherds must have laughed, cried, pondered and praised Yahweh. How amazing that Yahweh chose them (stinky shepherds) to announce the biggest news story every given? At some point though, the newness probably wore off. Did their hearts remain joyful - as a lasting change? After all, it's hard to wait for a child to become King.

Can you relate? We've found Jesus, rejoiced, shared, and have gone back to our everyday lives. Now what?
 
Discontentment in the waiting is much easier than being grateful for what we've learned. Lasting joyfulness? Isn't that crazy talk? Wishful thinking? What does JOY even look like in every day living? 

When we grieve?

When we are scared?

When we hurt?

When we face a long, hard road ahead?

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit...
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that
my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
- from John 15: 5-10, NIV

Joy comes when we practice abiding in Jesus.  

 

When we practice trusting and loving God, we take steps closer to joy.  

 

We remain. HE teaches us abundant life. We seek Him. He gladly draws near to us.

(I'm not making this up! How amazing is our Abba?) 

We choose - in this moment - to trust Him and HE faithfully teaches us joy. 
 
I've seen - and read of - too many other lives changed by Abba to stop believing that there is hope that Jesus' joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete!

Abba God, thank You that we don’t have to "fake it until we make it." You invite us in to see Jesus, just as You invited the shepherds in. They saw Jesus, rejoiced, shared the news and then went home… May the same be said of our lives as we focus on Jesus and His precious gift of dwelling with us.  

Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Don’t forget His benefits!
Be still, oh my soul, and KNOW that God is God. 

Help us see Jesus anew, practice trusting and adoring Him. Let Him become our deepest pleasure and constant focus. Shine into the hearts of those facing darkness, confusion, and/or hurt this season. Open doors for the Good News to be shared. Spark joy and renew hope. In Jesus' name.  

Good news? A Shepherd's Joy Series (1)

How do we respond to great news? We usually get excited and tell others. Human nature, right?

Sometimes we find out about big events, and realize that it's too big to share without fact-checking. We'll turn on the news, search online, or call a friend we think would know.

Isn’t that the way it is with Jesus? We need to investigate. We need to see...to meet this Jesus for ourselves.

In this world we are like Jesus.

Wait a minute. Who? Me?
I’m like Christ Jesus in this world? Even though I still wage war against sin? Even though I seem to daily forget how important it is to be patient, kind, joyful, full of hope and gratitude?
“…as He is, so also are we in this world.” Wow. Isn’t that incredible???
What a blessed gift!
I am a NEW creation. The old is gone. I’m no longer condemned! I’ve been rescued and set upon a rock that cannot be shattered. I am sheltered by the wings of God Almighty. I’m able to talk 24/7 to the Holy One – and He sees me as clean and loveable.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love 1 John 4:17-18
Abba God, thank You for all You have done. Give me eyes to see Truth: who You are, who I am. Give me courage to walk in faith today… to believe that I really am made like Christ Jesus (not ONLY given eternal life, but also meant to live in freedom and holiness). Truly, You are worth more than I can conceive, and I’m humbled that You love me so well. In Jesus’ name….

Rejoice? Why again, exactly?

"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,

My soul will exult in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,

He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Isaiah 61:10, NASB

Abba God, I admit that I don't feel like praising You. My circumstances are frustrating and I feel so stuck. BUT I choose right now to rejoice greatly in You, for You have given me all that is good. You have cleaned me and given me truth to learn from. You chose me to be your very own child and You gave me the best You had to offer - a royal robe of righteousness. Thank You for loving me so well. Give me courage to choose to rejoice all day. Teach me what your love truly means - how it's impacted my present & future. I can't fight these battles any longer as I've been trying to, so I give them to You to deal with. Do as You know best. There is none like You, and You are faithful. Surely I'm in good hands! Knowing the filth that still lingers in the flesh (there is nothing good in man), I'm again humbled by the honor of knowing You & having a clean robe of righteousness. You are clearly more good than I often consider. All glory & praise are yours. In Jesus' name...  

Fabulous Friday!

Reminder heading into the weekend.

“… we can study the Bible, read books, attend church and listen to worship music as much as we want, but to really experience God, you have to go and live out what you believe. There’s only so much that God can teach us unless we actually step out of our comfort zones and walk in faith, trusting in Him even when the road ahead of us is dark -- Michelle Knisley

"[Truth]'s true, whether you believe it or not." - Betsy Shatto

Refreshment from Abba's own Word:

"Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God."

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

-Psalm 43:3-6, TNIV

Abba God, Thank You for being with me this week. You are good. You are faithful. You love me. I celebrate these truths (even if I struggle to always believe them). Help me remember the life lessons You're teaching me, and to walk in faith more each day. In Jesus' name... 

Reflections on light, leading to joy

It all started with light. LIGHT!
"Let there be light."

Without light, I cannot see COLOR! 
Everything would be dark.

Without color, there is no BEAUTY!
Color defines beauty, giving it vibrancy and meaning.

Without beauty, there can be no HOPE!
Beauty gives birth to hope.

Without hope, there is no reason to search for LOVE! 
We search only when we believe there's something to find.

Without love, we cannot grasp JOY! 
Math explains science; love communicates joy.

Joy is real - a gift from the Lover of our Souls. It's a truth that extends beyond ourselves... beyond whatever season of life or circumstances we face. I haven't found this everlasting joy yet, but I know it's coming. God is faithful, and Jesus repeatedly spoke of a joy He gives followers. I hope you'll keep seeking God with me, believing for brighter days ahead - no matter the circumstances. Love is worth searching for... there is a hope... beauty is all around us... the very basics of color and light are so vital to our existence! Simple gifts leading to an unquenchable joy.

Abba God, thank You for light, color, beauty, hope, love and joy. Thank You for the capacity to behold such amazing aspects of your creation - not only of the physical world, but of your character. As I learn to focus more on YOU (instead of earthly cares) and the simple blessings You've placed all around me, I ask that You open my eyes to see this love and joy You so freely offer me. Give me courage to believe You really do want me to enjoy life - an intimate joy-filled life of abandonment in You. Life abundant, as Jesus promised. In His name...

I am HIS. A long, but necessary post, even if it only benefits me.

This extra post is only for those who are

weary … or … fearful … or …

running … or …faking until they make it …

If you have “it all together,” don’t bother reading this (until you’re ready for it, cause we all come to a place of despair sooner or later).

A recent loss shook my world in ways I didn't expect. Facing different waves of emotions, I somehow closed my heart off to God. Not completely. Just in certain areas. I allowed my heart to become very guarded against God's love... Maybe I was afraid that God would ask too much of me? Maybe I felt that if I protected myself from God's love, that I wouldn't have to feel more pain? I really don't like to feel pain...  

Yet, if it weren't for the pain, I doubt I'd understand joy. I don’t understand how or why, but it seems to me that the emotions of joy and pain intertwine. When I accept pain (ugh), I face it and accept Abba’s plan for my life – even if He would choose to slay me. Not a pleasant thought.

In fact, it’s downright scary! To lay my life, my dreams, my wants, my hopes, my “rights” down – the point of NOoooo return??? Well, OF COURSE it’s easier to close my heart up and only delve into shallow waters! To only love God to the 4’ mark, instead of diving into 30’ waters. To close the door to further cross-carrying, than to open that heavy squeaky door that’s covered over with interwoven ivy-weeds of Fear and Worry who continue to shout “SHUT THE DOOR!”

I can’t do anything to bring back the one I’ve lost. I can’t change my circumstances (the ones which I know God’s put in my life for this season). But I can choose to let my heart melt or harden in the hands of the One who was, and is, and is to come.

So, tell me. Like me, have you been guarding your heart lately - from people, or more importantly, from the Lover of your soul? [Are you afraid? Good! You’re alive then. Fear reminds us that faith is required for the next step. And I, for one, think that the struggle is HARD and WORTH it. When we face the struggle and tell God we CAN’T, but we WANT to… that’s Jehovah’s business, ladies!!!]

So, my fellow Marthas, let’s remember together how to sit and listen, like Mary did. Hang up your “stuff” & your “doings” for a while. Rest in Jesus, so that your goings and doings become an outpouring of a relationship so much deeper than the one you’ve been trying to make happen.

He wants you to simply BE. 

BE yourself. Trust HIM for the rest. 

I encourage you to find a quiet time – ALONE - to listen to You're My Beloved (under 4 minutes); just focus on Abba and your relationship together. Rest in Him. Cast off those cares. Forget all your responsibilities for the moment. Hear His heart beat for you. Allow your heart to melt before the awesome - and TENDER - Father Creator, who loves you so incredibly much. 

Now, I know I'll get in trouble from at least one if I don't suggest tissues (you know who you are. Tee hee.). Some of you aren't emotional gals, and I understand that. However, may I ever so gently suggest – if you don't tear up at all while focusing on Abba's love for you – could it be that you're allowing your heart to be hard and guarded? Maybe we all would be wise to ask Him to melt those guarded lesions on our hearts before we listen, and take the time to listen again & again until we finally melt in His arms. (As with all of MY words, take or leave them... What Abba says is what really matters.)

Abba, we need you to melt our hearts. Teach us who You are & who you see when you see us. Teach us to soak in your love & to rest in your tenderness. Heal our brokenness, pour salve where we're hardened, and give us courage to look into your eyes. Give us strength to lay down ourselves and to fully abide in Christ Jesus alone - until He's our everything and nothing else matters. In Jesus' name... 

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30, The New Living Translation

Confidence in The Lord = Joy

Remember contrast charts in school?