There is a “Joy in the Journey”…
Every day is filled with a plethora of trials, challenges, struggles and storms. Every now and then we have one of those rare days that was actually quiet and smooth. If you are not careful life has a way of sucking right out of you true happiness and joy.
No matter what your journey holds God has provided a way for you to have an unending source of strength for your day and your journey…..Joy. The joy and happiness that comes from God is the stuff that determines the outcome of your days.
The Bible says, if you want joy you can “clap for it” or “dance for it” or “sing for it”. Jesus gave us a clue as to how we can regularly tap into this unending resource of joy and happiness. What is it? Remind yourself that God is in control; that the battles in life belong to the Lord; and that God has already provided us with everything we need for life and happiness. There is a fullness of Joy that is found in God’s presence. When you worship and praise God you enter into a river of joy that overflows its banks and surpasses all your knowledge and circumstances.
Helen Keller once said, "A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships."
Helen Keller once said, "A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships."
Smooth sailing!? What is that? Have you ever been sailing when the water is smooth? I have and it is the most boring mundane experience ever. Sailboats are made to glide thru the currents of the sea and waves as they are powered by the force of the wind. And so are you. You have been designed by God to have Joy in the Journey which is not a result of a storm free day. But on the contrary, the very opposite is true. Joy is not a result of your “smooth sailing” day but is the very stuff that empowers you to face your day. Joy is not the absence of tough times but rather the result of you to face into the wind so that it will empower you to drive thru the currents and waves of life.
You only get one shot at this thing called life; there is no second chance at life. So, make your life count….Make it the best you can. Walk with Jesus and Live-Life-to-the-fullest. Make each day count. Live without regrets and plug into the source of joy and happiness and face each day with the winds of life empowering you to win in life. ….a pastor’s heart.