“Abiding joy does not depend
Upon what’s happening around us …
It exists because of the One
Who’s living in us.”
-B.J. Hoff
Looking Around
In my mind’s eye, I see a small child with huge eyes filled with wonderment, maybe some fear, but certainly looking around to see things he or she has never seen before. As our young minds encounter new experiences, we process those more slowly. These are new things. Never seen before. We pause and take them in.
Sometimes, these new things are embraced.
But sometimes, we must run or flee.
Connecting what is around us with our thoughts, emotions and understanding may be confusing. We may even be led astray.
Looking Inside
I think most of us have come to trust our own instincts. We have grown up to be independent, to find the insights we need inside of our own souls.
But what happens if we act upon false information? Or if we encounter one of those new situations? We might come to a conclusion that will send us down the wrong path. Bring to us pain, instead of joy. Loss instead of gain.
Looking Up
So, then, what are we to do? If we can’t depend upon ourselves and our own conclusions, then what?
We look up. Jesus has told us over and over that He is The Way. He is dependable. His conclusions are always right. His direction is always right. Even when it looks unsafe ahead. If we are following Him, He will lead us to the joy and peace we crave, no matter the circumstances around us.
Real power doesn’t lie in compulsion or force, but in the steady trust of Jesus as He leads us.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).
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