But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 NIV

Sometimes we’re afraid to admit we’re weak. Shame leads us far away from remembering Christ IS with us. Fear steals joy from our hearts and we forget how it feels to surrender. Doubt makes us believe we will never experience how it feels to be faithfully full.

God wants us to witness the gifts of His greatness. He knows how to humble our hearts. But sometimes we feel inadequate, unworthy of love. We focus on failure, worry about the opinion of others and forget HE is the ONE who guides and provides for our lives.

There's a lot to learn as we travel with Jesus and open our eyes in truth. He helps us recognize we don’t have to be perfect to be loved. He provides STRENGTH to handle weakness and reminds us we are stronger than we think. He bandages wounds and restores our HOPE. He welcomes us just as we are and reminds us we are accepted, treasured and loved!

The Bible says, come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30. EVERYONE is welcome to find rest in Jesus!

We must try to live in the simplicity of knowing God Is handling our days. He will take care of us! He is navigating our lives and guiding us in the timing of His will. He is providing the way to find abundant JOY and replace PEACE that’s been missing. In the honesty of what needs to change, God will change us! Every single one is welcome to experience the JOY of JESUS. We are the ones who sometimes make things complicated.

When the Holy Spirit has been welcomed to provide gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness there will be no room for doubt to destroy what God has in store. We must choose to TRUST and never stop believing we are worthy of so much more than feeling empty. How will you choose to welcome the joy of the Lord?

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 NIV

Dear God, Thank you for the power of Your presence in our lives. Thank you for Jesus! Forgive us when we allow shame to cover what needs to be released. Bandage our wounds of weakness and help us see ourselves as You see us; worthy of Your amazing grace. Guide us where we will be led to humble our hearts for YOU. Show us where You want us to faithfully grow. Remove our fear and help us welcome JOY for the journey. Thank you for greeting us where we are. You are the One who truly knows our hearts. Help us discover how to have a living relationship with Jesus and help us not forget we are valued, treasured and loved. Thank you, Lord! Amen