Joy in the Journey - Meredith Absher
*Finding our joy in the precious journey that God has given each of you.
Basically, the journey is everything in between your salvation point and being in the presence of the Lord. Finding the joy in that journey means to see what God has already done or is doing, in spite your current circumstance. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. “Job 23:10 Job knew that if he was not tried….then there would be no gold.
In John 15:11, These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
God desires for us to have that joy in all areas of life such as: getting a promotion, falling in love, children, grandchildren, reaching success even after a struggle. He wants us to learn to focus on the positives to bring joyful moments rather than the negatives that bring us down.
So, how do we find that Joy in the journey?
Always look for the joy in all circumstances.
The Lord created just one of you, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made. What brings you joy? What are some joyous moments in your life that you’ve already experienced. I know if I went around the room today each of you have one or several things that brought you joy unspeakable. Moments with family and friends, vacations that are unforgettable….we’ve all had those. Memories with loved ones who have passed…..they bring tears, but a smile usually comes with them. Life will have its struggles, but it is in the struggles that we are lifted with the joy that God has already laid within us. Oh, yes We all have likes and dislikes, so how do we find the joy when having to do the dislikes…. well I remember “ The Glad Game” So, yes, find the joy at the office with the co-worker who drives you crazy or the students who do. Even at home doing the daily chores. God wants us to rejoice always. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. Find your joy and let it shine so all may see. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
God is never surprised by our circumstances.
He is always in control. “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee, he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8 Oh, the joy that brings to our souls knowing that our God cares for me personally. He knows me inside and out, He knows my heart, my desires, my wants, my needs, my hurts, and my fears. He wants to bear all your burdens, so we don’t have to. He wants to make it easy and joyful along our journey. There is a song:
God will make this trial a blessing, though it sends me to my knees. When I was in that lowest valley his strong hand was leading me.
He doesn’t want us to feel discouraged or defeated. He will make this trial a blessing and that will make us find the joy during the trials of life as well.
Have a daily walk with Him
Our joy is strengthened in Him. “The Lord is my strength and song and is become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14. One of the fruit of the spirit is joy….it is actually the second fruit mentioned right after love. Oh, we need Him daily to fuel us just like our caffeine does each morning…..we need a daily dose of Bible time to jump start us each day. When you get up….This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, I know some mornings…..it is all you can do to get it together and out the door….we all have those days….it is OK. Remember God knows.
As I have focused on this small word “Joy”, I see it everywhere now. Oh, I know it has been there, but I don’t think I truly saw it. The simple things of life God wants to show us, we sometimes pass over but remember to stop and find the Joy each day. Just like the hymn says, “Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.” Smile! Give God the glory…..and find the simple joy in the journey.