A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Joy In The Middle Of The Mess



Mary @ Woman to WomanI love this quote.  I’ve been asking God to soak my soul with its truth... Asking Him to show me how to have His joy in the midst of sorrow and pain. Because sometimes life is very hard, and pain very intense.  How in the world is it possible to endure the sorrows, challenges, disappointments, and pain of this life, and yet walk drenched with His joy? 

His joy is a God-created, divine gift.  It was paid for by the blood of our Savior and provided to us by the Holy Spirit.  (Galatians 5:22)  It can’t be self-manufactured or whipped into an excited frenzy. We must open wide our arms and choose to receive it. 

And there’s a process in the choosing.

It requires faith. 
Faith... 
That His word is true.
That His words and character never change.
That He really does have a plan and a purpose for our lives.
That His love for us is real and He 
wants us to know Him intimately.

It requires making a choice.
A choice... 
To walk confidently as His daughter. 
To seek Him out and talk with Him all day long.
To praise Him in the middle of the mess and pain.
To place our thoughts on His goodness and His truths.
To be intentional about an intimate relationship with Him. 
To love the hope-filled truth of His word and allow the testing of
our faith to work perseverance and maturity in us.

Consider it pure joy, 
my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, 
because you know that the testing of your faith produces 
perseverance.  Let  perseverance finish its work so that 
you may be mature and complete, 
not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 


Do you find it difficult or easy to walk with His joy?
When life's difficulties, monotonies, challenges, 
and sorrows invade your days... what do 
you do to embrace His joy?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Please leave a comment! 

 
Living in His grace,
  Mary
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20 comments:

  1. Mary, I find comfort in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. These verses assure me that what I'm going through is only for a season! May God bless you.

    17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

    18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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    1. Oh, I love these verses! It's so comforting and empowering to remember that this is all temporary and that we have an eternal hope of His glory!
      I'm so glad you came by and shared these beautiful passages!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  2. So good to see your post! I must say, the only way I can cling to joy in the middle of a mess is through relying on the Lord. There's an assurance that He's with me and got me covered somehow. XOXO

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    1. Meredith, you're so right! We have to hang on tightly and rely on the only One who can provide joy in the middle of the mess!
      Blessings and much love ~ Mary

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  3. What a nice posting! Thank you. I see it as an exercise on my path to heaven. To praise Him amidst the mess. Sometimes hard but God is teaching me to sing on dark days. I will praise Him ... even in the night ...

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    1. Jedidja, you're always such an encouragement! Yes, to praise Him in the midst of those dark days... Oh, what joy He brings!
      Blessings to you, my dear friend ~ Mary

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    1. Ashley, it's so good to hear from you! Thanks so much for coming by!
      Blessings and love to you, my friend ~ Mary

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  5. I love your requirements for joy. Those lists point me directly to the Lord and I need that tonight as I fight for peace. Blessings to you, Mary! Love, Rachael

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    1. Rachael, sometimes that peace seems so illusive... And then we center our minds on His goodness, and He generously showers us with His peace and joy.
      I'm really glad you came by!
      Blessings and love to you ~ Mary

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  6. How are you Mary? Blessed weekend!

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    1. Jedidja, I'm always so blessed by your visits. And I so enjoy your Google posts!
      You are such an inspiration!
      Blessings and love to you, my friend ~ Mary

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    2. Thanks. I hope you and your family are well!

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    3. Jedidja, thanks so much for coming by. We are doing well... God is so faithful to walk with us through the tough times. I just visited your blog... It was just what I needed to read!
      Much love and God's blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

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  7. Hi Mary,

    Are you okay? Have you moved to another site? Hoping you and your ministry are going great.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jennifer for asking! I've had to take quite a break from blogging due to some health issues. I'm hoping to begin again soon. We'll see what God has for me!
      I appreciate your query and hope all is going well with you.
      Love to you ~ Mary
      .

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    2. Hope you are feeling better soon, Mary.

      Blessings to you,
      Jennifer Dougan
      www.jenniferdougan,com

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  8. Love this post! The walk with the Lord is full of learning. I am learning to inspect everything placed in my path, very closely. And, I wonder how many times I have stepped-over a obstacle or worn blinders because of the prospect of trouble or difficulty?...Many times. But, I am learning to enjoy the highs and the lows of my walk with Christ. I am always more-the-, wiser, more faithful and more burnished after the journey~

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    1. Cynthia, I love hearing about the journey (as difficult as it may be) that our our Lord is leading you through. He is so good to be right there in the midst of all the hard stuff, encouraging, carrying, and loving us in a way that spurs us on into a more trusting, intimate relationship with Him. Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your journey!
      Blessings and love to you ~ Mary

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  9. Hi Mary.

    Just checking in to see how you are doing. How is your health? You are missed. :)

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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Your comments mean so much to me. I love reading each and every one! Thanks so much!