Knowing the truth that God IS and He rewards those who diligently seek Him changed everything for me. Most of all, it changed my perspective on life. As first foundation presented, this truth transformed how I view the trials that are a part of life. Furthermore, it transformed my life to one of steadfast joy, undaunted by the storms of this world. Can I say that I never have doubts, sorrows or disappointments? No, most certainly I can’t! What I do know is that those moments come when I take my focus off the truth of God’s Being and, once more, focus on me. Many years, I focused on what the reward might be; until, one day; I realized. Knowing the truth that God IS everything beautiful, righteous and good; then, the greatest reward He could give me is Himself! Therefore, His presence is my joy, my hope.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
THE GREATEST REWARD OF ALL
So easily, we are drawn into concerns about finances, relationships, careers and all this world flaunts as success. My dream has always been the perfect marriage, the one true love who loved me truly. The white picket fence fantasy of marriage. Yet, as the years all passed, it wasn’t mine to hold. Every failed attempt, I pleaded that God would show me the way or reveal to me why He did not accomplish this for me. The time spent pleading lead me closer to His presence. Because of my broken dreams, I began a ritual of every morning arising at 4 am to be alone with God. Now, I realize; my solitude is the greatest gift God could give me. In my solitude, I have God’s abiding presence. Each morning, I have the sheer pleasure of being with Him, my very best friend.
God knew that if He gave me what I thought was best, I would come to spend every waking hour trying to serve my husband. Serving another would take precedence over all. Therefore, there would have been little time left for God. Knowing my heart, God chose to not fulfill that dream. Yes, I have loved and been loved. After burying Pete, I searched for love again; wanting, pleading to know love. Step by step, with such patience; God let me continue in that search. Then, one day; I awoke, after facing another broken heart to realize, I was ok. In fact, more than ok; I was amazed by the joy in my heart.
AWAKENED BY A SONG
When I struggled with my health and all the surgeries, I often wondered why I faced these battles alone. But the truth is, I was never alone. It was God who would awaken my flailing heart at 2 am with the sounds of a hymn flowing through my mind. Snuggled within the pillows and covers, I felt His presence; as though holding me cradled in His arms of love while singing songs of joy over me.
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
GOD’S GREATEST REWARD
Some would say the hope of heaven is the greatest reward God offers. Yet, heaven would be nothing without the presence of God. Therefore, the greatest reward is God, Himself. That is not just a joy that awaits us one day; that is a joy we can experience here, now! Do you long to arise and sit in His presence? Before all else and then, throughout the day, do you speak to Him as your day goes on? Even, if the only whisper is: “I need you”. When fear grips your heart for even a fleeting moment, let your heart cry, “I need your strength”. Or when anger fills your heart, “I need your Grace”. God has promised that for every circumstance you face, He is there with you as His Holy Spirit whispers reminders of His promises. We only need to recognize His presence to face every trial victoriously.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance. John 14:6
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
As we conclude this section; look back and cling tight to these truths: God IS and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. It does not say to those who have it all together, or those who work hardest; it says, to those who diligently seek Him. Are you seeking Him today? Because God IS everything that you need, His Joy can fill your heart today! Furthermore, therein, we find our place in this Universe with promise in His presence; because of His gift of salvation, through Jesus Christ.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Knowing the truth God IS transforms how you see every circumstance of life[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”The greatest reward God can give me is His presence because in His presence is fullness of Joy” username=”effiedarlene”][tweetthis]Because He IS, I can face tomorrow unafraid with hope & joy overflowing.[/tweetthis]
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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.