JOY HUNT
Finding joy when all is lost
My life was ransacked. The thief snuck in and stole nearly everything I held dear. I thought the locks were dead bolted, but open closet doors were clear evidence of the break-in and plundering. All the drawers were emptied and my most precious possessions were gone. If the security alarm went off, I never heard it and by the time I inspected the damage, it was permanent.
John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ESV
Abundant life, yeah I know about that. In fact, I had a Facebook life. Not a perfect life, mind you, but plenty of material to make you think so with pictures from travels, adventures and celebrations. The problem with having it all is you don’t need God, or anyone else for that matter.
Mark 10:23, “Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, ‘Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?'” MSG
TOTAL LOSS
I know about abundant life and abundant loss.
Nothing compares to the feel of a newborn baby’s feet except the look in the mother’s eyes. I delivered my last baby long before I was ready to give up long hours and all-nighters. My career as an obstetrician/gynecologist was satisfying, fulfilling and rewarding.
I lost it
Maybe I was a health food nut; maybe I just liked the way nutritious food made me feel. Either way, I took care of my body and exercised, although a bit excessively. For me, middle age meant toned muscles and endurance.
I lost it
I married my best friend and high school sweetheart over 30 years ago. We raised a couple of wonderful kids and had a pretty wonderful life, until everything changed.
I lost it
Chronic illness destroyed my body, my career and my marriage was collateral damage, but the enemy cannot kill my soul because I am forever secure in my Father’s hands.
I lost what every woman wants and gained what every woman needs
FOUND
I decided to go hunting. Though my dad is an avid hunter, stillness, waiting and hours of quiet never appealed to me. Then I felt the call. Be still and know He is God. Wait patiently for the Lord. I felt called to go hunting, so I did. I went hunting, for joy.
James 1:2, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come our way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” NLT
OPPORTUNITY
This has been a year of tremendous opportunity for me, an opportunity for great joy. You see, I’ve had troubles of every kind, but I searched for joy like a hidden treasure.
I found it
It wasn’t easy, I searched in unlikely places, looking everywhere, in my highs and my lows. I guess I never realized my trials were an opportunity. Has this been a challenging season for you too? Maybe, just maybe, it is actually a great opportunity. Find joy. It’s worth the hunt.
I found it
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, so if the Spirit lives in me, I ought to harvest a whole crop. The joy of the Lord is my strength and yeah, I need strength: physical, emotional and spiritual. For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. Yes my friend, there is joy in pain, if we endure, if we want it, if we trust God’s faithfulness.
I found it
Hunting requires special equipment and skills. Vision: fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of your faith. Patience: wait on the Lord, then keep waiting. Target practice: the more faith is exercised, the stronger it becomes. Track joy throughout the word of God. And don’t forget the most essential survival skill – gratitude. Joy fills a grateful heart. If you want to find joy, be thankful.
I found it
In the last three years, I lost nearly everything, but I wouldn’t trade what I found – JOY
I found it
Psalm 63:3, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, I will praise you.” ESV
Yes my friend, there is joy in pain, if we endure, if we want it, if we trust God’s faithfulness. #joy Click To Tweet
Thanks to KMR designs for the graphic
Your face glows with that Joy you’ve found. You can’t help but spread it around. Love your post. Love you.
Awww. Thank you ❤️
When we find JOY after the hardships of life, we are never the same again.
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5
Love that verse!
Joy helps so much, and laughter is wonderful, even when life is tough!
Yes. I’ve been laughing a lot lately
Love your Blogs of Encouragement!
Thank you so much. It’s always nice to get a little encouragement back
Such an uplifting post. I’m joining you on the joy hunt!
Let’s go!
#JoyHunt – I love that!
Join me!
Your forgiveness love peace and joy let’s others see Jesus in you thanks for sharing it with us❤
That’s exactly why I share it. It’s Him not me
Stumbled across your blog this morning exhausted from the demands of taking care of my husband after triple bypass surgery. Love this article! I too have had to search for joy after my husband had a massive heartattack and cancer, then a prodigal son broke my heart and another son was expelled from school. I actually started a blog called yettroublecame.wordpress.com to encourage myself and hopefully others during hard times. When I look at my circumstances I despair. When I look to Jesus and His promises I have peace.
That’s awesome. I’m so glad you stumbled by. I spoke on the same subject yesterday at a women’s conference and I needed to hear my own words. Keep writing, it encourages others and yourself