For a couple of months, I've been on a bit of a journey with God to re-discover joy. I had a few things that hadn't gone how I'd expected, but I knew that joy was something supernatural, that goes beyond my circumstances.
Just recently, the Holy Spirit reminded me again that, the way that we experience joy, is through seeking Him and simply doing what He tells us to do.
To illustrate, last week I sorted through the chaos of my spare room, which had become a dumping ground for all sorts of things. All the duvet covers and sheets were folded neatly, lost socks were found, everything was put in its rightful place, and order was restored. I little well of joy rose up iny heart as I looked at everything put in order and neatly placed where it should be.
The Holy Spirit said this to me; when we are in the centre of God's will for us, everything is put in order, our relationships are healthy, we have clarity of purpose, we know where everything belongs and we get the job done. We are clear on what is important and what is not, and we are focused and motivated to persevere in His plans, and this results in great joy along the way.
So I encourage you to have a think this week, where is there joy in your life? Or perhaps where are the areas that feel more like my spare room (pre sort out).
As we do, let Jesus, be our example, when we read these words:
'12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).
