#SundayStillness - Are you focusing on God or your circumstances? - Growing Through God's Word

#SundayStillness – Are you focusing on God or your circumstances?

When-we-focus-on-God-the-rest — Photo from freedigitalphotos.net.

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. (John 15:11-12, The Message). (my emphasis on JOY)

What is a wholly mature joy? I have been thinking about that. This summer has been a joyful one – family, more family and more family. I have loved it. Even though others have complained about a cool summer – really it was lovely. Love filled the summer.

But in the past, I didn’t always feel “joyful”. I found myself tired, overwhelmed, disorganized and confused. Why?

I think Oswald says it best:

The first thing that will hinder this joy is the captious irritation of thinking out circumstances (Oswald Chambers August 31).

I used to let little things bug me – laundry, dishes, meals, cleaning. Instead of just doing them joyfully. I used to let the fact I was tired bug me.

Instead, I needed to be rightly related to God,
and then my joy will come without any effort on my part.

When I figured this out – I could be joyful during anything.

So I had a wonderful summer during tiredness, sickness, and sleepless nights.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, or confused:

STOP – pray.

Get right with our Lord, thank Him for all His blessings.

When we focus on God the rest falls into place.

Prayer:

Lord, sometimes we let the trials of the day drag us down. Instead we need to look to You for our strength and joy. Help us to get closer and closer connected to the mainspring of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tweetable:

When we focus on God the rest falls into place. (tweet this)

God Arise – and scatter all your foes. by Robin Mark. Find joy in God. (tweet this)

Follow #UTCOP to read the prayers of our contributors. (tweet this)

Join us as we continue to pray this month – for all sorts of things. Follow Under the Cover of Prayer by subscribing to this blog by email.

Feel free to pin any picture you find to Pinterest.

Enjoy God Arise by Robin Mark.

Today is Sunday Stillness – others join me to link their posts about what God is teaching them. Enjoy.

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