Rejoice

This past week, God has really been teaching me about joy. What does it really mean? What does it look like to have true joy in my life? It isn't about smiling all the time. It isn't about being excited about something. It isn't about thinking everything is going your way. Joy is about realizing what I have in my relationship with God.

God reminded me of the meaning of joy through Psalm 97 where the psalmist praises God for being sovereign. He showed me that part of joy is being thankful for His faithfulness like in Psalm 100. Joy is what Paul is feeling in his letter to the Philippians. He explains to the church that only in Christ are real unity and joy possible. Joy is recognizing that having salvation through Jesus on the cross and having a relationship with the heavenly Father is worth so much more than anything this world can offer. Paul wrote this to them with true joy in his heart, and he was in prison, facing death. To the world, my life looks so much better than Paul's, but I was lacking joy lately.

God's timing is not the same as my timing for when I should be leaving to go teach at CISP. I was feeling down because of that, even though His timing and plans are always better. I felt like I was missing out. I failed to rejoice in Him no matter what, like the Bible tells us to. He then showed me what I have in Him (love, salvation, hope...etc), and that He is faithful. He reminded me to have a glad heart, to sing His praises because He has blessed me in so many ways, and to rejoice because He is providing for me even though it is not what I expected. Now, I am thanking God for being in Wisconsin. I am rejoicing in Him and what He is teaching me. I am trusting Him to provide in His timing.


Praises: I have 80% of my support for one-year. With $190 more in monthly pledges I will be able to leave because that will put me at 90%. I was able to share my ministry with some old friends this past weekend. Also, I have so many people praying for me and I am so thankful for that.

Prayer Requests: Pray that I will get $190 in pledges over the next day or so. I hope to be in Prague by Sunday. Pray that, even after I am there, more support will come in so I will be able to stay in Prague for two years. Pray for my supporters and thank God for them and their generous hearts.