Finding joy

Finding joy in Christ this moment requires:

• Surrender: accept what, where and when God has allowed or provided for your life. Embracing with thankfulness whatever circumstance you are in, whether it is just simply boring or painful or frustrating or depressing, or enjoyable and fun.
• Repentance: of any pride, arrogance, self-reliance, independence, or pursuit of the world and demands of the flesh that has kept you from fellowship with Him. (1 John 1:9)
• Participation: be fully present and engaged where you have been placed, and in what you have been given to do. It is not living for what you plan on doing, or what you would like to be doing, but living for God now.
• Dependence: (on God). Requires recognizing that our way, methods, plans and efforts do not work! Only God’s way will ever “work”. His way is the only way to peace, joy, and life to the full. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b, NIV) Knowing this, yielding to His way throughout the day, depending on His enablement in prayer.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

“For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21, NIV)

“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore! (Psalm 105:4, NJKV) “For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10b, NJKV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, NKJV)

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.’” (John 14:6, NIV)