Soul Joy

        “What can I try next?”  This might sound like an innocent question to direct our actions but for many in 21st century America it reveals a lot more.  For many it is the cry of those who are trying to find “Soul Joy.”  How much more money can I get, and how long will that thrill last?  Who can I conquer, and how long will that joy last?  What new toy can I get, and how long will that joy last?

        By the use of the phrase soul joy I am referring to the deep satisfaction that only comes when we mentally grasp that God can be totally trusted, and we then experience the exhilaration of that trust being proven true in one’s life.  Have you ever experienced this deep joy?  This is a freeing experience that is the total opposite of anxiety or worry.  It is the total opposite of having to produce joy in one’s life.  Instead, trust in an abiding God and His Word frees us to experience joy.

This is the freedom Jesus referred to when He taught that we are to trust God’s commitment to us and His care for us.  We can finally stop trying to find our joy in something or someone to just find it totally in God.

        Do you have the spirit of this age?  Or, are you experiencing your soul’s joy?  Take your greatest concern to Him and confidently take Him at His word.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “” I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’’ so that we confidently say, “” THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’’  Hebrews 13:5—6

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!  “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6:30—37