Joy Unspeakable...

Unfortunately our Pioneer girls team lost yesterday. It's always a tough thing to watch. Knowing how hard these young ladies have worked, and being so close to the goal, makes losing so much more difficult. Times like these remind me to settle my heart, renew my mind, and find the joy in the journey.

In no way does a loss in the state semi-finals compare to what the Apostle Paul went through during his missionary journeys. However, I do believe that each of us can learn from him and his mindset during tribulations. It doesn't take long to realize that life doesn't always follow our plans. We go through ups and downs. Success and disappointments. But there is something abiding in you that you cannot neglect.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

Jesus said some things to His disciples that doesn't sound like very good news. He told them they would suffer tribulation. He let them know that they would experience persecution. Some of them would be thrown out of the synagogues. Some would be killed. Others would live in exile. But He made a promise to them in the midst of this not so great news:
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

Regardless of your circumstances. In spite of what the world may be throwing in your direction. In the face of loss, defeat, and even despair. There is joy unspeakable dwelling inside of you.

There's a reason why the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you is JOY.
There's a reason why Jesus wants His joy to be in us.
There's a purpose behind this gift of peace of mind and heart.
He wants you to experience it. And He wants it to overflow.

The Gospel isn't a story where God does something in Jesus and abandons us to live it out on our own. It's the story of "God with us." The God who abides with us. The God who takes away sin and gives His life to us. A Heavenly Father who is committed to His children. Abiding. Sharing. Loving.

I don't know what you may be going through today, but I promise you that there is joy in the journey. Take a moment to fix your eyes upon Him. Settle your fears. Hear His voice. You can be pressed in on every side, but there is no need to be crushed. You may be persecuted, but you are not abandoned. You may have been struck down, but it did not destroy you. You are teeming with life. His joy will overflow. And you can rest in Him.

Take a moment today - not to survey your difficulties, but to mine the depths of His goodness. Find His joy alive and well in your spirit. Drink deep in His love.

Remember the proverb: "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13

EnJOY the journey!