JOY IN KNOWING
Saturday, October 03, 2009
JOY IN KNOWING
Have you ever wanted something really, really bad? It looks like something that would be perfect for you. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a new relationship, or a large purchase like a house or car … you’ve come to believe that “doing it” – whatever “it” is, is best for you. You’re excited about your decision.
However, you’re also committed to submitting whatever you do to God’s leading and guidance in your life. You want what God wants for you more than what you want for yourself. For me, it’s a belief borne of a life initially lived without God – a life lost, then found.
So, you look at the opportunity from all angles. The first is whether or not it would be something God would want. How do you know? I mean really, how would you know what God would want for you?
There isn’t an easy answer and it’s as unique as each human being. While God’s truth is GOD’S TRUTH, an intimate relationship with our Creator is developed just as our relationships are developed with our children or those whom we love. They aren’t identical and are forged by the individual interaction with each child or person. It’s the same with God and us.
He speaks to us through His word, through His creation, through our praise, and through our worship. Some of those things are done corporately, but they affect us in an uniquely individual way.
What I do know is that if seeking God is the deepest desire of our heart, He promises that we will find Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD,” Jeremiah 29:13-14,
Moreover, as we grow in that multi-faceted relationship, we begin to not only hear Him, but also know what He wants for us. And God wants the best for us, regardless of what we think. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
How? I believe it is through joy. Or maybe, it’s a peace about any decision we have to make. Suddenly, we begin to ponder that shining opportunity in our career, the relationship that “seems” perfect, or the big purchase that is within our grasp and we begin to question ourselves.
For me, God seems to re-direct my “wants.” Whether it’s to do nothing but remain in Him or to move in a different direction, I’ve come to realize that God has created His desires in me. And that’s when I move into the supernatural peace that God promises us. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7, NIV
It’s joy in the knowing … truly, truly knowing that I am moving and living in His will.
Blessings, Francine
Have you ever wanted something really, really bad? It looks like something that would be perfect for you. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a new relationship, or a large purchase like a house or car … you’ve come to believe that “doing it” – whatever “it” is, is best for you. You’re excited about your decision.
However, you’re also committed to submitting whatever you do to God’s leading and guidance in your life. You want what God wants for you more than what you want for yourself. For me, it’s a belief borne of a life initially lived without God – a life lost, then found.
So, you look at the opportunity from all angles. The first is whether or not it would be something God would want. How do you know? I mean really, how would you know what God would want for you?
There isn’t an easy answer and it’s as unique as each human being. While God’s truth is GOD’S TRUTH, an intimate relationship with our Creator is developed just as our relationships are developed with our children or those whom we love. They aren’t identical and are forged by the individual interaction with each child or person. It’s the same with God and us.
He speaks to us through His word, through His creation, through our praise, and through our worship. Some of those things are done corporately, but they affect us in an uniquely individual way.
What I do know is that if seeking God is the deepest desire of our heart, He promises that we will find Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD,” Jeremiah 29:13-14,
Moreover, as we grow in that multi-faceted relationship, we begin to not only hear Him, but also know what He wants for us. And God wants the best for us, regardless of what we think. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
How? I believe it is through joy. Or maybe, it’s a peace about any decision we have to make. Suddenly, we begin to ponder that shining opportunity in our career, the relationship that “seems” perfect, or the big purchase that is within our grasp and we begin to question ourselves.
For me, God seems to re-direct my “wants.” Whether it’s to do nothing but remain in Him or to move in a different direction, I’ve come to realize that God has created His desires in me. And that’s when I move into the supernatural peace that God promises us. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7, NIV
It’s joy in the knowing … truly, truly knowing that I am moving and living in His will.
Blessings, Francine