I have talked to so many mommas who are dealing with depression and lack of joy right now. In the states, it has been a long, gloomy winter. And, the enemy is attacking Christians at alarming rates by building fear, doubt, and discouragement.
So, I set my devotional study aside to do a topical study on joy. I needed to be reminded what the Bible says about finding joy in the journey.
Trust
The Holy Spirit led me to Romans 15:13 and He highlighted the word “because.”
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NLT)
And once again I came face to face with my lack of trust in Him.
I lack joy because I don’t trust His journey for me.
I lack peace because I don’t trust that He knows best.
I lack hope because I am not confident that He is sovereign.
And I know that I am not alone. Parenting and teaching… life… is hard. The journey is long and there aren’t always a lot of rewards along the way.
Take Captive
And then another verse came to mind.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ
II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
When the lies come rolling into my mind, I must take those thoughts captive and not allow them to run wild. Lies lead to fear, doubt, and discouragement. I need to name the lie and claim the truth.
Experiencing winter blues?
Take stock of where your trust lies and be filled with complete joy, peace, and hope.
Take captive your thoughts and focus on truths.
And, know that spring is coming!
