Project of Joy day 1

Earlier I shared with you something that God had placed on my heart through my reading of John E.'s book "Walking with God." I have been convicted that I have spent too much time in my life just trying to get by, or just trying to go go go all the time. I have asked myself to I really enjoy all of my life? Do I really love the life God has given me and do i discover joy in it every dingle day. Sadly enough I have had to answer no to this. Too often I get short with my kids or Erin. I am grumpy or irritable. there are times where I just want to get through the moment and on to something that I am looking forward to while forsaking the moment that God has given me. All of these things Satan has used to rob the one thing that my life has been designed for. The joy of the Lord!!! I want the joy of the Lord to fill my life in all of its fullness. I want it as the Bible tells us to become complete in me. I am realizing that joy in my life isn't dependent on others, my circumstances, everything going well. Joy is up to me. Joy is a choice, (one I want to choose more often) a decision. If happiness and joy aren't a part of your life you only have one place to look...the mirror. I am the only one making myself miserable in my tough times. Satan finds a weak spot...a crack in my wall and in the path of least resistant he does his best imitation of my attitude and then penetrates my heart.

So today I have begun my project of joy as I continue to learn to hear God's voice in my life. During my entire vacation which started today I am going to focus on joy in my life no matter my circumstance. I am going to learn to respond to everything by resting in and basking in the joy of the Lord. Today it has gone surprisingly well. It hasn't been perfect, i have had my moments with my kids. But there has been a certain peace that has filled my heart. I have found myself content in certain moments that before would have messed with me. I have accepted struggle and not got all bent out of shape. i have put others before myself and it all has been kind of refreshing. I has chosen happiness and joy over frustration, anger, and annoyance. Life has been much more pleasant as i have been to those around me and i find myself happier. Now don't get me wrong this is not some self help gimmick. This is not some inner strength where I am relying on myself. The big change is that i am camping on one single statement. The Joy of the Lord is my strength! When I feel Satan trying to rob me of my life and take me down a path i don't like going I simply claim God's joy by saying that statement over and over in my heart and mind...even out loud if i have to.

At one point I was in the car driving and got cut off in traffic. Normally that would have been a small step toward ruining my mood for about 30 miles. However with my dad sitting next to me reminding me to not get bent out of shape I found myself reciting that scripture out loud. The joy of the Lord is My Strength! My dad and i just chuckled. maybe because it was humorous. Or maybe because it actually worked. God settled my heart and made the moment just that. I moment, not a mood. Thank you Lord fro a great day and a great start to project of Joy. How about you. Where could you use a little bit more joy. Where have you been blaming others for your lack of it? When have you looked at your circumstance and justified your rotten mood. Joy is a choice. Make it your choice. Seek God's word and His council for help and remember that the source of strength for your life is His Joy. Don't ever believe anything different. I am sure there are trials headed my way. But I am already a little stronger because of the work god has done today. God thank you for today. It has been a great joy!
Walking with you,
Your Dreaming Pastor