Skip to main content

Joy that makes no sense


Have you ever realized that what you wish for isn’t what you should have?  Or the “things” you thought would make you “happy” were the EXACT opposite of what really does?

I found out both of these statements to be true in my life recently.  That is, I found me some “joy that makes no sense”.

 Its funny, really.  If you ask me what brings me joy I would say my family, my besties, parties and a good root beer float - stuff like that.   But this joy I recently experienced didn’t have any of that. 

Its all weird, really.   It just goes to show how God works in mysterious ways and we really don't even know our own hearts.  At least I don't, anyway.   Its so comforting to me that even though I don't have a clue, the God of the universe, The Great I Am, my Shepherd and King, He knows me and loves me so much that He works everything out for our good - and then brings joy in the midst of it all !  That just blows me away.   

How can I explain this joy?  It makes no sense in my head, let alone to try to explain it here.  It’s peace that passes all understanding as Paul wrote to the Philippians in Chapter 4:

 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

 
When my husband and I were on vacation in southern Texas a few weeks ago, the location was nothing like we thought it would be.  We ended up in a one-horse town, a fishing village really.  There were three restaurants and a Baptist church.  Period.  The beach, what little there was, was pitiful.  There was nothing to do, no people.  N-O-T-H-I-N-G.


Because there was nothing, we did nothing.  We started each day with our devotions and prayer.  We went on long walks.  We talked.  Just him and I.  No one else.  My husband ain’t a talker – are you getting my drift?   All these years I have prayed for this, but once we got there, I had no idea this was it.  You know what I mean?

 


We had no idea that a place that had more storage units than houses would be our “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation.  We totally enjoyed just being with each other.  One morning, as I was praying on a lonely street during my morning walk, content with everything around me, I realized my heart was full.  Full of joy and I had no idea how it got there.  Oh wait, I knew “how” it got there – I just didn’t understand it.  That, my friends, is “joy that makes no sense” – a peace that passes all understanding.   A gift from God.

Even now, as I think back on our weeks away, I marvel at God’s timing.  He just knows, doesn’t He?  He knows when.  He knows how.  He even knows who and what.   AND HE’S SO GOOD AT IT!  This “joy” stuff is Who He is, isn’t it? 

May a slightly aged :) never-been-around-the-world-but-has-learned-a-thing-or-two woman offer you some advice?  Stop wanting and start being.  Stop trying to figure it out and start loving.  All my life I thought I knew what would/could make me happy.  God knew all along that all I needed to do was let go.  He would do the rest. 
 
                 You make known to me the path of life;
    You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with
          eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
                            Psalm 16

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Right WHERE I wanna be!

Did you ever wonder what life WITHOUT God’s Presence would be like?   I mean, really truly WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE?   In my reading this week (Ezekiel) the exiles are coming home.   They are moving back to their “homeland” and to top it off, God’s Presence has returned.   Wait – what do I mean by God’s Presence returning?   Isn’t He everywhere?    Where did He go if He wasn’t there with them?   That’s a good question !   I have been thinking about that this week and the importance of “God’s Presence” in my life and in OUR lives as Christians. In the Old Testament, God dwelt (on earth) in the tabernacle first and then in His Most Holy Place in the temple that King Solomon built for Him in Jerusalem.   By “dwelling”, I mean He was there to worship and confess to.   He spoke to (and through) prophets.   He accepted sacrifices and worked in tremendous ways for His people.     Jerusalem was captured and the Jews...

The unthinkable

What's your "totally awful, most unthinkable thing"?  You know, the one thing that would be THE most awfulest thing in the whole world to happen.  Everyone has one, don't they?  I mean, I do.  Whether its relational or spiritual or physical - makes no difference - its the one "happening" in your life that would be the worst ever.  E-V-E-R. Its the kind of thing you don't want to tell anybody because you don't want to say it out loud, let along think about it.  But you do . . . I do anyway.  And especially now, for some DARK reason, with all that is happening around us, my mind goes there.  I don't want it to but it does. I think Peter's totally awful unthinkable was his denial of Christ - and his happened THREE times.  It must have just slayed him.  I wonder sometimes how could he have even gone on after that.  One word:  redemption. Where our unthinkable is, God's redemption is.  Our only hope - ...

The Joyces of My Life

Have you ever had someone in your life who truly showed joy, no matter the circumstance?  How about someone who has made a profound influence?  I can honestly say that I have had two, and they both have the name "Joyce" - hence, the title of this post - The Joyces of My Life. First of all, Joyce ( my stepmom) came into my life when she married my dad.  My life was pretty unstable with my mother, but we all made the best of it.  Once I graduated from high school, I moved in with Dad and Joyce. Life happened, I got married, had some kids, you know the drill.   When I think back, there's nothing specific I remember, except  her constant-ability.  She was always there for me.  Period.  When you meet someone who lets you into their heart, bears her own heart and soul, while introducing you to Jesus, your life changes.  At least mine did.  Her love for Jesus and scripture was evident and contagious.  I wanted in - all...