Daily Delight
A couple months ago, I led a Women’s Retreat during which the tagline was “Choose Joy”. And let me tell you, I’m glad we each received a magnet to remind us of all God imparted that weekend because I have easily been swayed from that charge! My to-do lists, my routine, my goals…my myopic view leaves me tired and impatient.I’ve been reading through Esther lately and have been reminded that unlike most books of the Bible, God’s name is never mentioned throughout its chapters. Perhaps it’s because the Persian audience would have objected. Or, perhaps it’s a reminder that whether we overtly see God working or not, He is. Whether we believe and take part in it, God has pledged to bring about His plans. And that truth hit me between the eyes this week. I’ve forgotten that I’m not the main character in His Story. This life isn’t about me, but about Him. In the grocery store, DMV, the water park – it’s always about Him, about being Spirit-led and remembering I am the mere vessel.
“Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." -Romans 12:2 (NLT)
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." -2 Corinthians 4:7
If it were about me, I would remain in an irritable rut, but when I stop thinking like the world—“How will this help me? I deserve this”—and start asking “How is God moving? What does He want me to see? How does He want me to love today?”, I better understand what counts and what can be discarded. And with this new anointed view, the fruits of the Spirit can begin to flow again.Heavenly Father, thank you that You have a divine plan and I’m privileged to play a part. Please forgive me for making things all about me and hoping your mercy would provide a patch-job to my bungles later. Help me to sit with you first, rely on Your wisdom and remember to choose joy.
About the Author
Jessica Hendrick
Jessica lives in Chesapeake, VA with her husband, Bryan, and their two young children, Jack & Jane. Never in a million years would she have thought after getting her Masters in Counseling and studying Biofeedback that she would forego job applications and become a stay-at-home mom, but God revealed the true desire of her heart that year.