When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 NIV

Sometimes we experience joy; special moments that separate us from the struggles of life. And as we release anxiety that robs our calm, we see how it feels to be held by the Father and cradled in the timing of His love.

Every now and then we feel joyful. But God wants us to discover fulfilling JOY that comes from Him in abundance. He wants us to experience it EVERY day of our lives. He provides more than mere moments to recognize we have been blessed. And He longs for us to experience the power of His greatness in our lives.

As we learn to TRUST, we become aware God provides everything we need. Jesus helps us embrace a heart of perfect peace. He shows how it feels to find harmony in hope. He allows us to witness the love of mercy and grace and helps us learn what is pleasing to God.

The Bible says, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28:7

How can we find joy, if peace is hidden deep inside and fear is allowed to steal our calm? How can we find peace in Jesus and receive the gift of His love? Perhaps we need to be reminded to TRUST the One who knows what we need and humble for Him, so we will recognize how to receive what God provides.

We will never find JOY in what the world has to offer. And we will never discover perfect peace on our own. But if we examine our lives, focus and believe, we will clearly see WHY we need the love of our Savior. He will show us how to be blessed as we faithfully grow.

If we hold on to anxiety, it will rob us of everything good. But God WILL remove the stress in our lives if we ask Him. He will lead us to a place of wholeness and help us overcome. He will allow us discover what has been missing…

God will take away fear when we surrender to Him. Once we have learned to step away from worry, we will see how it feels to be cradled in care. God will provide strength to remember; life will be better if we let go of fear and allow JOY to nurture a grateful heart.

“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” He is offering the gift of joyful fullness! Ask and you will receive what God is ready to give. Surrender your burdens and see what happens when space becomes available to welcome perfect peace. “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full. John 16: 24 ESV

Dear God, Thank you for the power of Your everlasting love. Forgive us when we forget to open our hearts and receive what is ours in surrender. Help us recognize how much we are loved by You. We will prayerfully praise You in ALL things, as we welcome the JOY of Your strength and find hope in what You have promised for each and every one of us. Thank you, Lord. Thank you! Amen