February 19, 2018

ON JOY.


Last month, my friend wished me happy birthday and when she did, she told me that this year was going to be a good one. My normal reaction would be to nod in agreement, but this time, I wholeheartedly agreed. I had a good feeling about 2018 last month and so far, it really is turning out to be a good one. 

2018's positivity came after a few years of thinking, processing, and learning. God's been working in me and I'm starting to actually see the progress in front of me now. I've discovered this new-found God-filled and God-given joy. But this joy isn't tied to my circumstances anymore--that is, my job, my relationships, my family, or my body/health. And I can say that only because none of those areas of my life have drastically changed in the past few years. Instead, I'm starting to unearth joy in myself, my heart, and my walk with God.

Years past, I tied my happiness and joy with my circumstances, putting my joy in people, money, status, and successes. And there are times, when I still do. When I was a kid, I found joy in food and eating. When I dedicated myself to exercise and healthier habits, I then found joy in a number on a scale. I later found joy in boyfriends. And then I found joy in singleness.&nbsp

The problem with all of those things is that they're circumstances, seasons, temporary, and earthly. I can't fully depend on them to provide, nor can I depend on them to consistently bring me happiness because just as easily as they enter my life, they flee as well.

So I've been learning to put my hope IN Him, find joy IN Him, and ultimately, rest IN Him. And as I was telling a friend, there's this newfound freedom that I've received as a result. And along with that, there's this added happiness and excitement that I've found as well. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13


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© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall