Lasting Joy

The Lord in His wisdom has brought me back to the unemployment line and as of this writing I am again out of a job. My first thoughts were, “God is in control, I have nothing to worry about.” It was just a little over two months ago that I had lost my job and in two weeks the Lord had blessed me with another job closer to home! I was filled with confidence that He would have me working again in a short matter of time. But as the days go by, reality starts tapping me on the shoulder as I spend hours scouring the internet for Architectural firms to send my resume to. I go to interviews and days later, sit looking at the phone waiting for it to ring.

My wife and I start having conversations about how we can tighten our belts to make ends meet. I start wondering if I’ll find the strength to carry on, to keep a stiff upper lip so to speak, to be a good example (in strength) to others and my wife through this hardship. I had placed myself into the position of waiting until things got better, waiting until I had enough strength to be joyful. Then I ran across this passage; Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 Wow, I can not choose to be strong, but I can make a choice to be joyful in the Lord!

I find it amazing how prideful I can become at times. I find myself thinking; “you can do it, just put your nose to the grindstone and work through it you sissy.” And when things don’t work out after all of that human effort, the outcome is bitterness, hopelessness, and a sense of failure.

When I make the choice to be joyful in Him, strength will follow! It wasn’t the loss of my job that was defeating me, but my attitude toward that loss. Even though the difficulties through my situation were real, I still had the opportunity to choose to have a joyful, praise filled spirit if I wanted to.

Of course, even that joy comes from Him. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 And that trust, our faith and hope, does not come from ourselves either. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

I’m continually baffled, and humbled at how much God loves me as He holds me in his hand, encouraging me, protecting me, strengthening me, and wooing me closer to Him, even though I continue to fail Him daily in many, many aspects of my life.

Lasting joy and true faith are based only in Jesus Christ and not my circumstances. If the odds are against me, He will be my strength, He will bring me through.

Vertical focus, not horizontal. All praise and glory be to Him who is worthy!