Joyfully…
March 17, 2008
“There are moments in the harsh bleakness of winter that would be unbearable if there were not, tucked deep within its bosom, the promise of spring.
But spring always comes.
Dark moments in the life and heart of a mother or wife are mitigated only in the light of God’s sovereignty. We must learn to draw upon the resources of a sovereign God - One who unreservedly offers us not solutions, not answers, not happily-ever-after endings, but His glad welcome- the assurance of His presence with us.
The desert has its edge, and in God’s timing the darkness will give way to light. Ephesians 3:2 is our warranty: “We may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Assured of His glad welcome, we can take our places in a world full of people like ourselves- people who don’t know where to turn, who never in a million years expected to find themselves in their present circumstances- people for whom there are no answers but Jesus Christ.
And we can do it joyfully!
-Joy MacKenzie
It’s a choice. You can either face the hard knock circumstances of your life, whatever they may be, depressed and forlorn, or you can face them joyfully. Either way, they are what they are, and no amount of wishing other wise will make them go away.
Trust Me. I have tried.
Yet every time I do, I come back to the same place- and every time I come back, the one thing that is certain, the one thing that has never changed is Christ’s position on his throne. My problems are still my problems, but because I have a sovereign God who is working things out for my ETERNAL good, I can rest assured that no matter what happens to me on this earth, no matter what circumstances or disease that enters my earthly life…..
I have a mansion in heaven with my name on it!
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
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In other words: Play Nice
15 Responses to “Joyfully…”
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CHOOSING JESUS!!!
JESUS IS: Lord God Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal Leader, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe. He is Father, Helper, Guardian and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps. The Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times. He always was, is, and will be: Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings Peace. The world can’t understand Him, the armies can’t defeat Him, the schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him, the Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, the people couldn’t hold Him! Nero couldn’t crush Him. Hitler couldn’t silence Him, the New Age can’t replace Him and Ted Turner can’t explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His Word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! His is my redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, He is my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life. I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the over-comers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was, is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, forget me, overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He stills me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and in every way. He is God, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Father in Heaven can whip the father of this world, and so, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this: He said it, and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Love that quote, Heather. I think that’s one advantage those of us living in a place with seasons has over those living in a place where it’s mostly warm and sunny all the time.
We know what it’s like to live through winter and taste the hope and joy of spring. I truly believe it’s one of God’s real-life analogies He put in this world so we can experience His reality.
Suddenly my little problems are just that - little.
Someone once said, “Quit focusing on how big your problems are. Rather focus on how BIG God is!”
I love that quote. It takes the view off me and puts it where it belongs: in God’s hands (where it should be in the first place!)
Love it. Touched me deeply today. Thanks, Heather.
Happy B-lated Birthday Heather! You are an inspiration to so many. Keep choosing joy!
In His love, Chanin
How precious and timely! Well done…each person’s comments as well have been inspiring…and I say “ditto”. I had forgotten of that blessed hope of seeing winter blossom forth into spring and the JOY! I so dreaded winter and thus haven’t seen of been around much the MN winters since’95 and have traded it for Mexico!
Thank you Heather for your example and your bear, raw honesty…how small any of our “crosses” seem as we look at all you bear and do so well..much like Our Savior,
Jesus Christ. Your mansion must be grand!
I recall you wrote what Especially Heather
meant, and how you were asking God to work
especially in you, well..He has and is..and WILL…and how fortunate we are to observe your journey and you DO bless us in knowing the character of Christ, in each fiber of your being, you have expressed your great desire of sharing HIM
which you DO…and even when it’s heavy JOYFULLY…you have placed a new leap in my Spring and I dance in His presence with
remembering all Karla shared, listening to
the song, you chose, “Held” as Jesus holds
onto you and Emma,Easton, Elijah and hubby
with open arms of love, joy, compassion, strength, faith amd everlasting hope. Thank you for keeping us focused on the GOAL ’cause HE is AWESOME and AMAZING! Worthy of all we can muster up…my mustard seed is growing daily as I read
HIS WORD and your encouraging words. Stand
strong but rest also in His arms in peace!
Peggy
Hi Heather,
I have been looking forward to Spring all Winter
Something about Spring just renews the spirit and soul. I am praying for you and your family to be blessed today.
You are so loved and over half-way there. By the way, have you seen how your visitor map looks like a field of Roses? I can’t see the USA anywhere, much less most of the rest of the world:) You have a huge outreach Heather, and I do mean HUGE:)
Love, Laurie in Ca.
Heather,
You inspire me. Your post today reminded me of a song we sang last weekend called, “You are God Alone.” The chorus says, “You are God alone from before time began, You were on Your throne, You are God alone, and right now in the good times and bad, You are God alone, You are on Your throne.” It’s an awesome song about … no matter what we face He was on the throne from the beginning of time and He still is … unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable … the only TRUTH we have!
Bless you. I needed to hear this today.
xoxo
Heather you really are amazing. Your faith and devotion to the Lord inspire me to be better with my own walk. Thank you.
Wishing you some St Patrick’s Day wishes from N Ireland. You have an amazing ministry through the blog. Hugs and prayers.
Truth that doesn’t get preached much today but needs to be.
Susan
This is certainly the truth - it is God that helps the bad circumstances become good
WOW!
loved hearing all that…
Always a joy to come here and bask in the beauty of His truth,His promises,His love
Happy belated Birthday.
Blessings
donna