Joy
not only comes to us through circumstances, but also through our intimate union
with the Trinity. As authentic Believers in Jesus Christ, we have inner joy as
well. It is new and waiting for us every single morning (Psalm 30:5).
We
can minimize our inner joy by walking outside of God's will for us. As
dedicated codependents who want to support our family and friends, we often add
too many details to our day.
This
invites stress both physically and in our soul - our thoughts, emotions and
choices. We run out of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional energy with
each event that we embrace that is not in God's will for us.
We
not only feel tired, but we also look depleted and drained. The reason for this
is that our life is out of balance and teetering on the edge of
self-destruction. Yet, we continue to go out of our way to help others in need
and to support those about whom we care.
As
Believers, we often love others and neglect our self. However, if our own being
is suffering, we cannot fully minister to anyone else. Jesus told us to love
others as we love our self (Matthew 22:39).
My
former boss in Jonesboro, AR - a recovering codependent - wisely instructed me,
"You are not a machine. You are a person too; and you can care for
yourself like you care for everyone else." What a revelatory day I
experienced after hearing her pronouncement.
Now,
I seek the Lord and draw the line at the point of balance in my life. When more
is requested of me, I say, "I will pray about that." My goal is
always to remain in the center of God's will for me, because that is the
happiest place on earth.
Prayer:
Father
God, when we remain in Your presence, You fill our cup to overflowing to allow
us to share Your love with others (Psalm 23:5, 16:5; Deuteronomy 32:9). Our
body and soul fail us, especially as we age; but as we call on You, You are our
strength and our provision forever (Psalm 73:26, 116:13).
As
we walk in Your ways and keep Your words, You are our portion in the land of
the living, as well as in eternity (Psalm 119:57, 142:5). We have our hope
resting only in You (Lamentations 3:24). Help us to enter into Your rest (Daniel
12:13). The more we access Your presence and Spirit that abide within us, the
more love and blessings we have to share with others.
Thought
for the Day:
It
is only when we put a stop to our hectic lifestyle and wait on the Lord, that
we can receive the total infilling of the Spirit's guidance for each moment of
our day.
-
James 1:8; Matthew 6:24; John 15:5
