Restored Peace & Joy

I love how God works. He draws us to quit our jobs and move to Florida with the premise of a great new opportunity for my husband. I would get to retire and write. I pictured myself writing as I sat under our veranda, overlooking the lake or on the beach looking out at the ocean as the Lord poured the words out through my hands and into my computer....

I moved here first, and before Rick was able to follow, the government contract for his new job was canceled. I then found myself starting over. Though this was quite disappointing, we knew God had another plan. To say that where He has led me to work is where I’m supposed to be is an understatement! I have absolutely no doubt that this is exactly where He wants me. That being said, change is never easy, especially for me! I like my box of routine and comfort. I lived in one at the same job for over 30 years. The transition has been very stressful to the point of having headaches and chest pains. Learning new things and trying to do everything perfectly, yet often feeling like I’m not able to accomplish all the tasks that need to be completed in one day held my focus and it was difficult to redirect my complete attention on the Lord.

Last week I fasted from Sunday to Sunday. I knew that I needed to change my focus and regain my peace. I spent every moment I had worshiping, repenting, and seeking His presence. Not because I’m so holy, but because I’m so desperate. It wasn’t the circumstances I wanted Him to change, but my heart, mind and perspective. I knew that I had to regain my peace and on the last day of my fast, it was fully restored. It has covered me like a heavy, warm blanket. By Monday I realized that though my peace was back, my joy wasn’t. I prayed, then spent a few more days just focused on Jesus and worshiping Him. Today, I can honestly say that my joy has fully returned! Not because anything has changed on the outside, but simply by His Spirit!

No matter how small are big your problems or disappointments may be, peace and joy are always attainable as you determine to seek the Lord with Holy desperation. It may not come the first time you ask, but don’t give up! It belongs to those who surrender all to seek Him and do His will. Don’t be moved by your circumstances or your emotions, but only by His Spirit!

John 14:26 (AMP) But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

Philippians 4:6-9 (TPT) Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things.

1 Peter 1:7-8 (TPT) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Matthew 7:7 (NLT) Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.