Happy :)

I’m finding such joy in the simple things these days. I’m happy for no reason and I feel so fufilled. Sure, there are things here and there that get to me, but, overall, I don’t think I’ve ever been more content. I feel a wholeness in me that I’ve never known. God has taken this brooding, inwardly focused, selfish girl and, in just a few short years, He has turned her into a happy, passionate, gentle woman of faith.

The Bible tells us in II Corinthians 5, as we turn to God and ask Him into our lives, that we are made into new creatures through Christ; old things will pass away and, behold, all things will be made new.

Its so true. I’m scarcely a shadow of who I used to be (thank you, Jesus)! The broken pieces of my life, the aches in my heart, the feeling that I was “the only one,” the fear of being discovered for whom I really was inside…I can’t honestly say, I don’t have that anymore.

Some of the things that used to entertain me, some of the old habits and even some of the old friends, I just can’t do it anymore. It doesn’t feel like me. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are things that I’m still dealing with, things I’m trying to change in order to glorify God, but He has done so much work in me that I had absolutely nothing to do with. I just allowed Him to have His way in me…I gave Him my heart and He cleansed it and healed it and He gave it back. I gave Him my family and He restored it and He gave it back. I gave Him my finances and He blessed and increased them, then He gave them back. I gave Him my worries, and He gave me hope. I gave Him my fears, and He gave me peace. I gave Him my lonliness, and He surrounded me with loving, Godly friends. There’s nothing I’ve given Him that He has taken from me without blessing it and giving it back somehow.

I don’t know why it is, then, that we still withhold things from God. Why are we clinging to the things He’s asking us for? If He’s asking you for something, rest assured, it will not bring you any joy nor increase nor peace until you give it up. So stop fighting with God! Besides, if you’re able to let go of whatever idol it is that you’re placing before Him, He’s just going to turn right around and bless you for your obedience. What have we got to lose? Is there anything that is more important than being in God’s Will? (I thought not.)

Its in the submission to my Father that I find this inexplicable joy. Its in knowing who I am and Whose I am that I find such peace. Its in being pleasing to my Father that I come unto a place of real rest – a place I don’t have to worry about or strive for or fight or scratch or claw my way into. Its given to me just because I’m one of Daddy’s favorites.

I have a song on my heart…you know I do! There’s ALWAYS a song that says just what I’m feeling! Like to hear it? Here it goes! 🙂

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Yes, its sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that You are with me,
You’ll be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!