Joy In The Journey

No matter the trials or hardships that come our way, we should begin each new day with a renewed vigor knowing that God has great things in store for our life. Never get so lackadaisical with your life that you fail to see the beauty that surrounds you and the possibilities that each new day brings. The Lord declares in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” The Lord wishes for us to advance in life accomplishing our goals and going forth to the heights of victory which He has set for us. Believe in yourself as God believes in you and renew your mind realizing that you are here to accomplish that which is deepest in your heart. (Psalm 118:24) (Ephesians 1:4-12) (Psalm 18:32) (John 15:5)

I pray you are encouraged and challenged by this message to reach for your goals in life and set your mind to be steadfast and determined giving no attention to the discouragement that comes your way. When we stay steadfast, great things happen.

THE JOURNEY

If you have ever been discouraged because of failure, please read on. For often, achieving what you set out to do is not the important thing. Let me explain. Two brothers decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of older boys stopped by to watch. “What are you doing?” asked one of the visitors. “We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!” one of the brothers volunteered excitedly. The older boys began to laugh, telling the younger ones that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible. After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors. Then he said quietly and confidently, “Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!”

Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. And that is what a goal is for -- to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen; in other words, to set us to digging! But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized. But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, “Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!”

It is in the digging that life is lived. And I believe it is joy in the journey, in the end, that truly matters.

By Steve Goodier

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee greatand mighty things, which thou knows not.”

Isaiah 30:21 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

Proverbs 8:12-17 “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”

Psalm 138:6-8 “Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knows afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shall stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endures for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.”

Every moment, Every situation, Every issue, and Every concern has a positive side. Find it and bring it to life.