There is a desperate relationship with Jesus, a connection with God, that each of us should yearn for in our lives. It's one of the greatest places to be--desiring (desperately) to be fully immersed in that 24/7 pool of God's presence. All of the crazy stuff that has happened in my and Sarah's life lately has definitely ushered us directly into that pool. Perhaps we were thrown in to some degree. But regardless, it's been great. There have been few times when we've felt closer to God than right now!
Today I got a card in the mail that was congratulating me for my move and new marriage. The sender of the card assured me that she has been praying ardently for us, not being able to imagine how stressful it must have been for us to get married and move to a new church all at the same time. Yet her note spoke of wisdom. In conclusion, although she couldn't image how we are holding up, she concluded that she was sure that my joy is far outweighing any challenges that come my way.
She's right! My joy does prevail...when I let it. What I suddenly realized from this note is that although I am in one of the most treasured places right now, concerning my closeness to Christ, I'm in constant danger of losing my spot. When we're desperate, we can be desperate about the right things, but desperation can also be a wrecker of anything good. A great deal of my desperation has transpired into prayers and requests of success in this new venture. Success is good, but it's self serving and far from the ultimate point. Joy, on the other hand, is rich, it is deep, and its source comes directly from intimacy with our maker. If my desperation transpires into seeking Joy, then the rest doesn't matter. If I seek joy in this new venture, then I can see the rest of what I do and the rest of what happens through the lens of that joy that Christ has given me.
I've been around enough to know that Joy is sweeter than any success or happiness. So...Joy...got any plans for dinner tonight? Lunch? Now?? I can do now.
Amen!
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