An Everyday Kind of Joy

I’m often blessed by men and women with the attitude described below by Oswald Chambers. From time to time I return to his writings and today these words seem especially applicable. Choose today not to settle for what the world describes as joy…seek His and walk in it. You may just be the unexpected blessing someone needs.

“Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances. Jesus said, “. . . the cares of this world . . .choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). And before we even realize what has happened, we are caught up in our cares. All that God has done for us is merely the threshold— He wants us to come to the place where we will be His witnesses and proclaim who Jesus is.

Have the right relationship with God, finding your joy there, and out of you “will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Be a fountain through which Jesus can pour His “living water.” Stop being hypocritical and proud, aware only of yourself, and live “your life . . . hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes. The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing.”       -Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers’ daily devotionals can be found at: http://utmost.org/

About cchrisholland

...husband, dad, pastor, teacher, and chronic day-dreamer
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2 Responses to An Everyday Kind of Joy

  1. Joey says:

    “It chokes the word”….that hits me hard and a great reminder to keep motivation in check. It really is not about “us”…is it?

    Like

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