CHOOSE JOY. CHOOSE JESUS.
My heart is breaking in so many different directions. God is my Rock, my Refuge, my Fortress, my Strength, my Shield. Rest is the world God gave me for 2016 but 2016 has been everything but rest.
The year started in heartbreak and has not stopped. I am not okay but one thing the Lord is teaching me is to look at His Joy. Focus on His Joy. Even when you’re not okay, you can focus on His Joy. Because His Joy never ends.
Even in the darkest night you can still see the light. It’s gonna be alright! (My fav song, Hold Us Together by Matt Maher) When we focus on His Joy and we see His Light, there is a peace, there is a comfort, there is a JOY and LIGHT that will never go away. Not because things are always good. Because they’re not. Ask anyone close to me, I haven’t been myself more days this year than not. But even in my sadness and my disappointments and my heartbreak, I have a joy and peace because of Christ.
I pray you have Christ’s Love today. Christ’s Love tells you that no matter what, no matter what you’re going through- death, sickness, divorce, whatever it might be- Christ loves you and He cares about you. Every trial you go through makes you more like Christ, strengthens you and prepares you for what’s next. Matthew 6 Jesus tells us that “In this world, you WILL have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world!” It’s inevitable. So instead of pouting when the storm comes- PRAISE! My pastor always says “Use your pain for God’s Gain!” Don’t waste what the world has laid before you and miss that which what God has planned in front of you! His plans are prosper you and not to harm you!
All this time, from the first tear cried ‘Till today’s sunrise And every single moment between You were there, You were always there It was You and I You’ve been walking with me all this time
Ever since that day, it’s been clear to me That no matter what comes, You will never leave I know You’re for me And You’re restoring
Every heartache and failure, every broken dream You’re the God who sees, the God who rescued me This is my story – All This Time by Britt Nicole
“JOY IS :
the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life;
the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right;
&
the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
Kay Warren