For those of you who remember singing that song in Sunday school, you probably finished out the title of this blog with "Where? down in my heart, Where? Down in my heart...." And I will spare you the rest of the song! But today while I was running on my treadmill I was reading an incredible devotion. It was actually several devotions but they had such practical meaning to my life today that I knew I had to share! Maybe someone else needs to be reminded that God can restore your JOY!
The last few days I have had a heavy burden for a very dear person. Someone that I must shamefully admit I had given up on! My patience was spent, my help was exhausted, and I was ready to wipe my hands clean of the situation! But this weekend, the tides changed, my outlook has reversed and I know without a doubt that one day soon they will have their joy restored! They will soon be reminded of their significance to an amazing, loving God whom never left their side!
My devotion book is entitled "Fear not Tomorrow God is Already There" by Ruth Graham. I highly recommend this devotional it has been a blessing to me daily! The devotions I read today were entitled "He restores us with compassion, He restores us to our true value, He restores us through grace..." I loved the paragraph where Ruth Graham writes, "God gave us significance - incalculable significance. Why? He created us. He values us. He has purpose for us. "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
In her next devotion, she reminds us of such a simple verse with such enormous meaning: "Of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace." John 1:16
And one more, a verse I have repeated to myself so many times, "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
So tonight, I know that God will restore this very dear person. Their joy will be restored, they will soon see their significance, their "incalculable significance" to a loving God who gives grace upon grace! I ask you to join me in praying for this dear friend, that tonight as they lay their head on their pillow, that tomorrow as they face what seems like insurmountable obstacles, that they remember their significance to God! May they keep their eyes on Him, may they fall in love with an AMAZING God who values, loves, and has a purpose for their life! A God who would love nothing better than to restore their JOY!
Since I started with a song, wanted to end with one of my favorite songs....
God's grace is so much more sufficient than we ever realize. I have learned that so much in the last year. Great thoughts! :)
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