Seasons

The times in life when one is swamped with engagements in the same day can be overwhelming.  Well, I had one of those days recently. I needed my joy-jar filled to enable me go through these! The Holy Spirit reminded me that beginning the day in God’s presence daily is a joy because “his joy is my strength”. That I should consider three things: that God is joy; God’s truth is joy and that joy is securely in God!

First of all, I had to attend a friend’s Mum’s celebration of life.  In as much as there was sadness here because of the “separation and sadness”, there was joy because of our great expectation when Jesus returns! She loved the Lord.  Then came a friend’s pre-wedding celebration, a time of happiness, a different kind of expression of joy because of what is to come.  Lastly was an invitation to a “Thanksgiving celebration” with friends. This was “an expression of gratitude, appreciation of God’s faithfulness, love and provision. This reminded me of exercising the power of gratitude in whatever season we find ourselves in. Philippians 4:4 says “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

It's a time to keep “my joy-jar” filled, and not just to run from one thing to the next and also that I could not do this in my own strength.  My joy has to depend on a deep intimacy with God based on relationship and not circumstances.  On that day the Lord was teaching me the lesson to keep my “Joy-Jar filled and not to feel overwhelmed and depleted when I have to deal with various situations when they occur and if and when I should give my attention!  What a day this was! Nehemiah 8:10 reminded me that day that ….”the joy of the Lord is my strength!”