Recently I was the subject in a conversation. The question was asked, "Why is she so happy?" That brought a smile to my face because that wasn't always the case!
I have been a Christian for many years, but I didn't always have joy. In fact all of my life I have been an emotionally driven person who really struggles with impulse control. Most of my Christian life I was what is known as a cherry-picker. I was not taught how to properly read and study the Bible. But that doesn't mean I didn't truly have a love for it!
I was born-again as a teenager and a young one at that! I didn't have a lot of repenting to do because I hadn't really experienced much of life yet but when I gave Jesus my life and He entered my heart something did happen. The biggest change was that I was hungry for the Word. That is something that happens to everyone who is truly born-again.
But there were other changes too. I was involved in choir, theater and dance. Almost immediately I lost I interest in my dancing career. I was convicted because of skimpy costumes and provocative movements.
Because of my habit of cherry-picking I misapplied scripture many times. I am sure in my immaturity I wounded many people. If you are one of them I apologize! Also cherry-picking didn't bring me victory over being a moody, impulsive, blab and grab person.
This year I am entering my third year of reading through the Bible and attending a church that teaches chapter by chapter, verse by verse expositional teaching and I am learning so much!
So how can I be happy when there is so much chaos in the world?
I don't process my feelings with just anyone. Yes, I cry and get angry and frustrated. But I don't keep that anger and sorrow. Jesus never intends for us to hold on to those things and by venting to others it only puts my pain and burden onto them and that's not a good thing either. I give it to Jesus and my prayer partners. And reading through the Bible every day helps to give us the mind of Christ.
There have been times in my life where I got distracted and didn't follow Jesus as I am now. I know this, had I died I still would have gone to heaven absolutely I know that. But I also know that even believers can be ashamed at His appearing. That is another story for another day.
I understand what it means to be filled with the Spirit! I understand that some folks think I am crazy and that that is not my burden to worry about! Do I still struggle sometimes with my feelings and impulses? Do I struggle with being a control freak? Oh you bet I know I don't have to be governed by those things any more. I mess up every day and when I do I repent, confess, get up and get back on that horse! If being a Christian was easy we wouldn't need His armor!
Today I can have joy because I know Who I belong to!
I can have joy because I am a child of the King and can never be unadopted.
My question for you is can you call Jesus "Father"?
Isaiah 29:16New King James Version
16
Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay;
For shall the thing made say of him who made it,
“He did not make me”?
Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it,
“He has no understanding”?
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