The experience of joy is deeply connected to peace. When we give our worries and cares to God because we trust in him, it is peace that surpasses all understanding that we experience first. Releasing a grasp on the concerns in our lives and trusting Almighty God brings a state of contentment. We can rest in the truth that he will take care of us when we give our burdens to him (Psalm 55:22 NLT).
When we are not focused on our burdens and instead focus on growing in our relationship with Jesus, we will not only experience peace that surpasses all understanding but joy will follow. I have experienced this several times when choosing to learn and grow closer to Jesus in the face of trials. I suddenly became aware of feeling a deep sense of joy that doesn't make sense when I take inventory of my current circumstances.
When our minds are not consumed with burdens because we are abiding and trusting in God, we get to experience God's gift of joy. It can bubble up while doing the simplest everyday tasks or sometimes God opens our senses to see and experience the world in ways that we wouldn’t have otherwise. I encountered this joy during a challenging time when I suddenly became awed about the stunning beauty of flowers on my deck. Or when I felt deep joy in stopping to feed the chickadees out of my hands during a hike.
Like peace, joy does not come from our circumstances. When we follow God's will for our lives we will abide in his love (John 15:10) and being held and kept by God means we will experience his joy more fully (John 15:11).
We can apply Philippians 4:6-7 to every situation that concerns us and not only experience the peace that surpasses all understanding but while abiding in Jesus, we can experience the joy that follows.
Father God, thank you that you love me unconditionally and you want to help me. I am feeling concerned about __________________. I am asking for you to ____________________. I lay this down at the foot of the cross because I choose to trust you and your answer to my prayer. In Jesus name, amen.
Throughout this day: Reflect on the joy of having a personal relationship with Jesus -
Alan Jackson - In The Garden (Live)
Photo Credit: Tim McClure