It is so tough being in need, being in a place where we cannot take care of everything in our life on our own. That means we have some kind of dependence on someone or something else. John E. shares his story of being laid up in a hospital and how hard that was. He relates it to his relationship with God and how Dependant he is on Him. I remember being in the hospital a few months ago with kidney stones and how utterly helpless I felt. I couldn't figure out what God was doing in my life. I wanted understanding. However, I new very quickly that it wasn't for me to figure out why but to figure out for what purpose.
John E. makes a good point in his book when he says, "you can either have understanding or you can have god but you usually can't have both." There is so much that happens in our life that only God will fully know why. In fact if we have God in our life we don't always need to know why. My kids remind me of this. I tell them to go to bed and their first question is, why. I ask them to clean there room and the first question is, why. I ask them to clean up and come inside and they ask...you guessed it, why. I always respond in the same way, "because I said so." Not all of life is meant to be understood but all of our life we are to follow God's lead not matter how confusing and painful it might be. Having a life of joy means to choose how we are going to act in any given situation. We get to choose our mood. Joy comes when we lean into God and trust Him. When we doe this joy is almost always the outcome.
Today was a rich day. We started with worship at First UMC in Pigeon Forge, TN. It was a traditional service which wouldn't always be my first choice. However God met me there and I worship Him with great joy. It reminds me that worship is up to us, not the pastor, musicians, music. It doesn't matter the style or how good someone is. It is up to our hearts being open for God to work. I was open for anything this morning and God blessed me. It was so good just to go to worship on a Sunday without having to prepare for or do anything at all. Letting someone else preach was awesome. I was soaking up every word I was given and praised God. I challenge each of you to worship every Sunday this summer no matter where you go. Find a house of worship and watch God bless you with his joy.
It rained today...normally this would have bummed me out. However this is not a normal week for me. This is my project of joy. So I chose to roll with it and see what God would do. It was a great and relaxing day at the chalet. I watched a little Cubs game, played some pool, soaked in the hot tub with the kids and my dad, grilled out on the deck (it is covered) and just generally had a great day. God's joy was present in my heart even though it was gloomy outside.
Don't get me wrong it wasn't a perfect day. I blew up at the kids a couple of times and got frustrated here and there, but I do sense God doing a new thing in me. Whenever we have been doing something for a long time it takes awhile to break those habits or to start new ones. I feel everyday I am taking baby steps towards greater joy. I has been great! Have a great day of joy in the name of Jesus!
Walking Together,
Your Dreaming Pastor
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