Hey, things are going well.

Today, I just started a full time position and am working with amazing people. I have a loving family and amazing parents who are allowing me to stay at home for a couple more months to save money before I move. Everything is good. I really shouldn’t be out of sorts but I am.

As I recognize what I am feeling and what I know to be true, I see the conflict. I know my joy is not determinate on my circumstances. I knew this ‘feeling of dissatisfaction’ was coming a while back even while witnessing to God’s faithfulness in seeing big, heavy prayers start to be answered. I was overwhelmed. I stopped prioritizing my time sitting with Him as soon as I woke up. Not on purpose but it just happened a little bit at a time. I kept thinking “Oh I will read tomorrow, I just need to get working or just go to bed.” I made excuses for myself.

My joy comes from the Lord.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15: 9-11

I want complete joy. I want to have that joyful confidence billowing inside of me. I can’t expect to be able to avoid His love and feel His joy. I have to remain in His love to feel my complete joy.

The joy may abide in me but I won’t feel it without reminding myself of what is His. Our world wants to cloud our minds and hearts with its ways. Don’t let the world have that privilege. We are fighting a spiritual battle where the enemy wants to take captive all of those who proclaim the truth. Don’t let him.

Questions for the one who feels everything is going well:

• Do you feel there is conflict in what you feel right know and know is true?

• Do you believe you can feel complete joy? Have you felt it before?

• Is there something in the way of you feeling joyful?

Written: May 10th, 2021