A Heart of Joy

I have a growing collection of cards with verses that have been especially meaningful to me. Some verses are on just plain 3x5 cards, some on colored index cards, and some are decorated a bit with scrapbooking paper. Sometimes I like to set one up on a little shelf in our bathroom while I am getting ready for the day.

The card that found it's place on the little shelf this morning was Philippians 4:4-7. A favorite of mine, and one which I need to think on often. It is my natural tendency to worry about things. With six children, nine grandchildren, a busy life, and a confusing world ... there are always things to worry about.

The first sentence is what grabbed my attention this morning ...

"Always be full of joy in the Lord."

How can a person always be full of joy? I know that is not true for me. Often, instead of being filled with joy, I am filled with worry.

I am so thankful for some time to think on these verses this morning ... always good to hear God's perspective again. And I am reminded that the answer to being filled with joy comes later in these verses.

"Don't worry about anything;

instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

Then you will experience God's peace,

which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus."

Worry doesn't bring peace or joy ... but talking to God about the things that concern us is what brings us the joy that we long for. As we talk to Him all through the day about the things that cause us worry, God brings a peace that is beyond anything we can understand. And this peace and joy guards our hearts, as well as our minds.

I woke up this morning with some worries filling my thoughts ... and after applying these words from God, my heart is experiencing peace and joy again. Thank You, Lord. You are the source of all that we long for ...