JOY IN THE BURDEN

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation." Jeremiah 15:16-17

Beautiful and filling are the Lord's words. There are times He separates us but not always for a wilderness journey. Sometimes it is so we are filled with His burden. It is a  necessary time in His presence. Here, Jeremiah was filled with indignation; which is fury, anger and rage. He was tasting God's displeasure for sin. 

How could this be "joy and rejoicing"? After all, so many focus only on the love of God. How can this be? Simple! Knowing we are His and Him sharing His heart is enough. Have you experienced the Lord’s heart through His Word? Did it fill you with joy and rejoicing?

If we are truly in Christ, we too will carry His burden, however He sees fit. Being called by His name is the root of all joy! Remember, "joy" is greater than a feeling and deeper than the surface. God's love is balanced and it carries great weight! 

Jesus is the Word! John 1:1 tells us, 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

Jesus' words should bring us great comfort as He directs us in His will. 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:29-30

Can we be connected to Christ and not be grateful, thankful and full of joy and rejoicing? Not for long! Our focus is Him and He is all we need. Are we feasting on Him, THE Word? Are we allowing God to have His way in the journey? Most importantly, are you embracing His presence as He helps to carry the burden?

At wits end?

At wits end? ... Pull out that Bible and start standing on God's promises for your life! 

When kids aren't listening or misbehaving... "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children." Isaiah 54:13. 

When the bills start piling up and work is minimal to none... "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22. 

When health is failing... "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me;..." Psalm 6:2. 

When the enemy starts to attack your mind... "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 

Faith in Christ + Trust & Total reliance upon His Word = peace in your life!

Every one of these verses pertains to something I'm personally dealing with! The Lord is faithful even when we are least deserving! He is seeing me through, my family, our business, our health, every aspect! The enemy loves to see chaos, panic, anxiety and enjoys playing tricks on our minds. 

If he can take our focus from Christ and put it on our situations, he knows we will not stand against Him with Truth, with the Word, in prayer and in praise! 

Ready for that "perfect peace", hit them knees and stand strong in the Word!