How to Know Life Amazed by Joy ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

It has been through many trials, sorrows and storms of life that God has shown me His magnificent Grace, Love and Glory. He has taught me to trust in Him with every detail of my life. Furthermore, He has taught me how to think differently; how to view circumstances through His eyes, rather than, through the finiteness of my own eyes. That is key to facing life undaunted by the storms. Storms are an inevitable part of this journey on earth; yet, God has a plan for our good if we are His. Knowing Christ as Savior assures this fact: God is working everything together for our good. He wants us to live with hope, joy, love and peace within our hearts; as, He shares with us His Glory. He wants us to live every moment of life Amazed by Joy-His Joy in us.

Knowing the truth about our place in this Universe, our purpose and our position in Christ is paramount to discovering a life filled with hope, energy, and abounding joy. Once we know these truths, we think and view every circumstance differently than we would have otherwise. So, yes; how we think is very important; however, only, when are thoughts are founded upon God’s word. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying no trials will come or that you will get all your eyes could desire by thinking a different way. What I am saying is “knowing these 3 foundational truths, fills your heart with joy; even when your world is turned upside down.

Listen carefully. ²¹Keep these thoughts ever in mind; let them penetrate deep within your heart, ²²for they will mean real life for you and radiant health. Proverbs 4:20-22 TLB

THREE TRUTHS YOU MUST KNOW

My place in this Universe including the promise that is mine

Without knowing my place in this universe along with the promise that is mine by faith; there is no hope; because, our relationship with our Creator begins with knowing this.

faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. …for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1,3,6

The foundation of faith: Knowing God IS and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. This is key. God IS the creator, the Lord, the Sovereign Ruler of all of earth. He is All Glory, Perfect Righteousness; as well as, Justice. Knowing this, means I recognize that I am not master of my own destiny. My place is not the center of the universe. I was created by an Almighty God. My life is in His hands to do with as He pleases; yet, there is this promise. “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith, hope and joy exist when I am in His presence. I must first know this truth, if I hope to find true and lasting joy along this journey.

The Purpose for my life

Secondly, I must understand the purpose for which I was created. Most of my life, I heard people say, “I was created to bring God Glory.” Sounds good perhaps; yet, the longer I lived this Christian life, the more I realized: “there is nothing innately inside of me that could add to God’s Glory”. If I did anything right, good or glorious; it was Him working through me and not anything my own guilty hands could perform for Him. So, I needed to know, what was the purpose for which I was created?

Then, one day I read John 17: the prayer Jesus prayed as He walked toward the Garden of Gethsemane. In that prayer, Jesus candidly proclaimed the purpose of creation; and, the purpose for each who would come to accept Him as Savior. God created me so that He might shower upon me His love, fill me with His Joy, and share with me His Glory. His most glorious act is the salvation of one soul. When, He chooses to use me in that by using my testimony; He has shared with me a small piece of His Glory. Certainly, He doesn’t need me; but, uses me anyway. That is Grace.

My Position in Christ

Thirdly, we must know our position in Christ as followers of Him. Ephesians chapters 1-3 outlines this with tremendous detail. Because in Christ, I am God’s chosen, redeemed, beloved, gifted, enlightened Child; heir of the Kingdom of God, servant by choice, declared as a new creation. In Christ, I possess everything I could ever need. Knowing this, releases me from the chains of sin, sorrow or despair.

When Knowledge Transforms our Thoughts and our Hearts

Knowing these three foundational truths transforms not only how we think toward God; it also transforms our heart toward God. He becomes more precious with each day that we live. As our eyes become more focused on Him, the circumstances of this life grow dim in comparison to His Majesty. We begin to see life’s circumstances through His eyes. Therein, we find that each day; we live Amazed by Joy, no matter what storms come.

Thus, I want to begin this series to help you to comprehend the magnitude of these truths.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Steadfast, unwavering Joy can be yours if you know these 3 truths[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”If you know your place, your purpose and your position in life, no storm can harm you” username=”effiedarlene”]

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist whom I love and admire. Please check out his work at http://roninron.com He did this drawing with a piece of paper and a pencil. Please note it is protected under copyright and cannot be copied or duplicated without permission.

New Living Translation (NLT)

New King James Version (NKJV)

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.