Pure Joy

Sometimes I get in the way. I start focusing on my circumstances. I start thinking "What can God do for me today". He has been faithful every step of the way to provide for my family but what if one day He didn't? What if for one day we were left helpless, flailing. What if. Would I still say thank you Lord? Would I still praise His Holy Name? Would I still run after Him full force until He turns around with arms open wide for me? What if?

My husband showed me a devotional in Our Daily Bread tonight and it really got me thinking. Job had his whole life taken from him. His family, his home, his possessions, his well being. Everything, but he never once cursed God. Never once said forget it, I'm done I'll provide for myself. Not once. Instead he got down right angry when his wife told him to curse God.

The devotional my husband showed me really got me thinking about my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Do I love Him because of what He can do for me, because of His provision or do I love Him because of WHO He is. Do I follow Him because I think I will get something out of it or do I follow Him because of who He is.

Even if You slay me, yet will I praise You. Job 13:15

That's how I want to be. Even if He kills me, even if He never provides for one more bill, one more need. Even if He turns His back on me forever I will still praise Him. Shall we accept the good from God but fuss when trials are in sight? Not if our love is focused on The One who always does what's right. ~ Our Daily Bread

Praise God for the trials you are facing today...they are being used to grow your faith.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4