I’ve been challenged over the past few days about “the Joy of the Lord”. I wish I could say I was were i needed to be in this area of my spiritual journey…but I’m not. And I’m both convicted and conflicted about it.

Just seems lately that my spiritual walk is more about

• Toil than Joy
• Persevering than Overcoming
• Hard Work than Effortless Action

I think you get the point. Now I’m not saying our spiritual journey is supposed to be easy or simple…scripture makes it very clear that’s not reality (promises a hard road actually). But underneath it all is supposed to be the idea of joy and hope and the power of God working in our lives.

And it’s there. I just haven’t been living like it much. I tend to make the problem seem like God’s problem (“God, why can’t you just make me happy”) instead of my problem (“God, help me to see the joy and hope in life everyday”).

I tell my kids all the time that their attitude is up to them…they choose their attitude.

Sounds like I should take some of my own advise. God has done so much for me…and has sacrificed everything to give me a future beyond my wildest imagination! I have an amazing wife, great kids, and He has met our every need (and most of our wants).

I am blessed…and finding the joy in my daily walk with my Heavenly Father! How about you? Do live your every day knowing something better is on the horizon?? Do you have the “joy of the Lord”? Or are you still a work in progress like me??