Peace, Patience, and maybe a few tears....

                                                                                                             Kiawah Island, SC (photo taken 12/16/15 CLM)

This morning as I am sitting looking out over this beautiful place I am blessed to call home I am humbled.  Humbled to think that even though the road is never straight, has bumps both big and small, and I often stumble and fall I am forever carried by a Savior that loves me unconditionally.  Often times we are disappointed and hurt by people we come in contact with whether just for a season or who are in our lives forever.  They, whether intentionally or not, take away some of our happiness.  They affect our days, cloud our thoughts, bring out self doubt, and just make it hard to not use bad words!   I have found myself struggling with allowing these types of people to rent very valuable space in my brain, and it really isn't worth all that.  And as this was happening I found myself really crying out to God for peace in my heart and in my mind and as He ALWAYS does for this very unworthy Jesus girl...He showed up.  

This weekend I got one of the most valuable lessons worded by God and delivered from our pastor at church.   He spoke on the difference between happiness and joy.  I had never thought about the difference between those two words.  I had always used them interchangeably. I would says things like, "I won't let this person steal my joy," when in all actuality my joy will forever and always rest on the promises of an Almighty God...who will NEVER rely on circumstances...He will forever hang his promises on that cross...and that will never change. Happiness is circumstantial but our joy is in the LORD!  There is no greater freedom!  When we really reflect on what that means it is so true! Our joy is forever anchored in the Lord and His mighty promises.  

I have found for myself in order to continue to hold on to that truth, and not let the enemy cloud my mind with doubt, I have to spend quiet time with him as much as possible.  I would love to say that happens everyday in a scheduled quiet time for hours on end, but let's be real...the struggle...it's real!  But I can always tell when it's been a few days without that quiet time...with out that intentional slowing down of the pace to just be with Him and in His word.  God calls us to a relationship with Him.  He wants us...our time...He is jealous for that and I find such joy in that alone!  Another way I combat the enemy's onslaught is that I surround myself with positive people who support me, hold me accountable, send me scripture and devotions, and advice that I don't know what I would do without.  The Lord definitely uses these people in my life to be that physical anchor and boy do I need it.   

I found that when I am doubting my strength to endure and carry on without acting like a two year old cry baby I just have to remember these truths:

"the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:11

I truly hope this brings someone as much GOD given JOY as it did for me just to write it all down.  What a beautiful reminder of all our precious Savior does for us.