Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

 

God’s overarching purpose for each of His children is that we know Him. And what a relief this is! Yes, we have “assignments” and jobs, etc. But they are not our utmost purpose. This truth should set you free. No more wondering, worrying, or confusion. As a born again child of the Most High God, your purpose is to get to know Him more deeply each day. You could be “successful” in worldly pursuits, even in ministry. But if in the process you are not knowing God better, then what’s it all for? Remember what Jesus told His disciples when they were so excited that the spirits were subject to them? He set them straight right quick! Jesus told them to instead rejoice that their names were written in heaven. In other words, don’t rejoice in your good works, even though done in God’s power. Rejoice that you are rightly related to God! Knowing God. Living with Him now and then forevermore in heaven. Our joy is to be found in Him because that’s where it is! He is joy! “Joy is the serious busines...

 

 

The Lord is telling me a lot lately to let go.  This is a constant.  In my thoughts, in my ways, all of it, to simply keep letting go. I can hold too tightly to whatever I think I "need" at any given moment.  God is showing me that this is a constant source of underlying stress in my life, if I stay with that way of thinking and being. Life is so much more enjoyable when I simply let go, relax, and trust God to handle and deal with everyone and everything in my life that is causing, or may potentially cause, me emotional stress or discomfort. I believe this can be seen as training! if indeed there are "worse" days ahead for us collectively, then we'd best get used to letting go of it all now so that we may stay  in that wonderful peace that we have in Christ no matter what is going on around us. Whatever we grasp, we lose.  Whatever we hold with open hands, upward to God, I believe remains ours.   Ultimately, Jesus let go of His very life for us. ...