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