7 Steps to an Unconditionally Joyous Heart-Absolutely Free
In September of 2013, I was accused falsely of having committed a “crime “against the company where I had faithfully served for 10 years. The so called crime had been invested for 9 months unbeknownst to me. It, without my knowledge, had been discussed at every board meeting from January until September. I had not done anything wrong, nor thought of doing anything wrong; so indeed, the news of this had been a shock to me. When all the dust had settled, I was cleared of any wrong. What was obvious to me that one power hungry medical assistant had been the catalyst. The events actually lead to my placing my resignation exactly at God’s timing for me to make the move He had already ordained. Although, in September; I understood what God was doing. I, even told my boss, “All of this was God’s hand at work. God had whispered that I should be leaving for Missouri. He blinded your eyes to the truth, so that the whisper would become a shout. I have to go. Something I would have resisted because of my devotion to this company. You have been like a brother to me all these years; but, I have to leave.” Understanding the truth that God ordained everything should have meant the incident was over in my own heart and mind, right? Yes, it should have. However, in my heart I was angry and hurt. The anger, the resentment toward my accuser, and the pain should have been gone. But it wasn’t for quite some time.
[bctt tweet=”Knowing that God’s Sovereign will controls every detail of my life should create Joy. “] For that moment in my life, it didn’t. You see, there was still that darkness within my own heart.
HORRENDOUS SINS THAT WERE TURNED FOR GOOD
Joseph’s life as recorded in Genesis 37 through Genesis 50 is an example of one who was hated by his own brothers; yet, was the one who ultimately saved them. They planned to murder him; but, instead sold him into slavery. They told their own grief stricken father that Joseph was dead. For 22 years they continued the lie, in spite of their father’s overwhelming sorrow. Meanwhile, Joseph rose to a high position with his owner. Then was falsely accused and thrown into prison. After years in prison, God allowed him to interpret the Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph rose to a powerful position in Egypt. Ultimately, Joseph saved the lives of his brothers from a famine. Every detail, from the caravan passing to the cup bearer in the jail, God had used to fulfill the words that He had spoken to Abraham in Genesis 15. “13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;” God used even the horrible acts of sin committed by Joseph’s brothers (attempted murder, greedy slave dealing, and the heartless deception of their broken hearted father) to fulfill the promise and to save them. The horrible sins of Joseph’s brothers were used by God to accomplish His plan for His people. Let that sink in for a moment. God does not cause sin; but, can turn it for good to those who love Him. He remains Sovereign over every affair of our lives. NO act that is committed against us, His beloved, can occur without His Sovereign will permitting it. That was why Joseph could say to his brothers, “ Fear not: for am I in the place of God?20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them” (Genesis 50:19-21).
GREATEST ACT OF GRACE FOR JOY
Joseph’s life was a portrait of one to yet come. Christ came and was falsely accused. The greatest act of sin ever committed by mankind was the crucifixion of Christ; yet, that is the means God used to provide a way of salvation for all who would believe. And why? We discover why God would do such a thing in this prayer of Christ. Christ prayed to His Father shortly before His crucifixion, “13 now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13). He did it all that His Joy might be fulfilled in me. What? He died a horrible death to give me love, hope and JOY. Not a counterfeit joy that comes and leaves; but real genuine JOY for all of eternity. His Joy, His love and His glory He gives to me.
SEVEN STEPS TO AN UNCONDITIONALLY JOYOUS HEART
It was months after the incident before I could forgive the one who started the whole the accusations. During those months of anger and sorrow, I allowed the incident to rob me of my joy. Even though I understood it was God’s Sovereign hand working out His plan for my life; I had a hole in my own heart which only His Grace and Love could fill. I needed my joy restored and these were the steps I had to take for that to happen.
1. Remind myself daily that God is Sovereign and His plan for my life is good. Nothing can happen to me outside of His Will being accomplished through it. Those who wanted to do evil to me were merely pawns in the hand of an Almighty God. That truth forced me to refocus my thoughts. They had caused me good, even if they wanted to do evil against me.
2. Remember that God is not reactive. He is proactive. The caravan that bought Joseph had been traveling days to reach that spot at the very moment God ordained. All that had been occurring at work behind the scenes had been happening for months so I would resign the exact day I did. The timing was perfect; because I arrived in Missouri just ahead of the snow in December, 2013 and only days before the start of my new job. The job I didn’t even have yet in September. The timing was exactly as God planned.
3. Every day I needed to train myself to keep my eyes God focused. I had to take my eyes off of myself. The only way to do that is through prayer, bible study, and surrounding myself with praise songs.
4. Always remember to keep the future in view. This is not my final home. This journey is a pilgrimage to my final destination forever in His kingdom. Everything that happens here is preparing me for eternal Joy in His presence.
5. Stand firm on truth and Integrity. Hold fast to the word of truth and as best as possible don’t bow to the temptations of sin. When you do, run to God and fall before Him in confession.
6. Be willing to help others that pass by you; even when you are in the dungeon. Just as Joseph helped the jail keeper, the cupbearer and even tried to help the butcher; be kind to those who pass by.
7. Perhaps the hardest; yet, the most important. Be willing to be the one who brings salvation to the person who injured you. This is more than merely forgiving.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
My joy was purchased by Christ on the Cross. It is absolutely free to me. My joy in Christ was freely given. His presence with me, His provision for me, and His Sovereignty in my life is unconditionally mine since the moment I accepted Christ into my heart. That means His Joy is there with me unconditionally. When I allow darkness in my own heart to steal my joy then I need to return to the foot of the cross where mercy flows free.
Have you ever lost your joy do to someone hurting you? What did you do to find joy again? I would love to hear your story. You can comment here. COMMENT HERE. A song that I think will remind you of God’s Amazing Grace is: You Love Me Anyway
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
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.