Abiding, steadfast joy penetrating the core of our hearts, no matter what storms arise in our lives. Isn’t that what we want? That steady, unfailing hope allowing us to get up and move forward one step at a time. Strength arising from knowing all is well, guiding our thoughts and minds and driving out all anxiety and depression. You might say, “Impossible!” I would have said the same; until, God changed my views of life. He did so with many storms. Some were a result of my own failures and inadequacies, lacking the understanding I needed to stand firm. At other times, God sent unexpected storms; because He knew, through each one, i His Steady Guiding Hand was leading me to know Him better, closer. There, through the storms, I discovered the three truth foundations which give abiding, steadfast joy in life.
Over the past few weeks, we have looked at
TRUTH FOUNDATIONS #1 AND 2 FOR ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
- Knowing our Place in the Universe with Promise. This truth found in Hebrews 11:6; defines faith; because Faith is knowing God IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Recognizing our own nothingness before an Almighty, Sovereign God (Creator of Heaven and Earth); we also realize He is the Being without which nothing else exists. Coupling this with His promise to reward those who diligently seek Him, we rest assured that “All things (no matter how bad they may look at first) ALL Things work together for good to those who love God” Romans 8:28.
- Knowing the purpose for which we were created. We were made for a much higher purpose of Glory; yet, because of sin we cannot achieve this in our own strength. No matter how hard I strive; pride and the need for self-exaltation stands in the way of truly living with higher purpose. Only by first recognizing my place of nothingness as I gaze upon the Almighty, Righteous King; can I become the receptacle of His Joy and Love. Only then, God shares a part of His Glory with me; by using me to carry out His will to spread the gospel. (Remember, He does not need me to complete His work; however, He honors me with the privilege of doing just that). Our purpose was clearly outlined in John 17, as Jesus prayed for each of us on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane.
This leads us to
TRUTH FOUNDATION #3: OUR POSITION IN CHRIST
Until this point in these writings, we have focused on who we are not. We are not virtuous, righteous, or deserving of anything. Yet, God chose to love us; right there in that position of unworthiness; because of His Grace, Mercy and Love. Therefore, despite our knowing our place with promise and our purpose; we might not fully embrace the depth of His Joy until we know our position in Christ. We are lifted high to be God’s Blessed, Beloved, Chosen Children, heirs of the Kingdom, servants by choice, declared Saints and Soldiers of Almighty God.
Therefore, we will next turn to Ephesians chapters 1-3; to learn of our position in Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1:3
Don’t miss this. God hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Over the next few weeks, let us seek to understand our position in Christ; because, this is crucial to our knowing the fullness of life God desires for us. Therein, because our focus is upon His Glory and His plan, we find joy overflowing, abiding and steadfast; no matter what storms we face.
concluding tweets
[tweetthis]Discover 3 truth foundations for abiding steadfast joy for your life[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”In Christ, I am God’s Blessed Beloved Chosen Child heir of the Kingdom; because of grace” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]In Christ I am a servant by choice, because of love [/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]In Christ I am declared a Saint; because of the cross [/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”I am a Soldier of the Almighty God. Therefore, I stand firm in faith; because of His power in me” username=”effiedarlene”]
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.