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Beauty in Returning

Hello, friends! Today, I want to share something the Lord has revealed to me personally over the past few weeks. Before we dive into scripture for today, I want to start off by saying that I had a plan of posting these blogs every Tuesday morning; however, I have taken a month off due to a new job and summer classes.

During this time, I have placed other things, such as studying, work, chores, and todo lists before my time with the Lord. He revealed something so beautiful to me, and delivered it with so much grace that I want to share!

I want to begin with Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

I love how this verse expresses the confidence and joy found in trusting God’s guidance. In His presence, there is true joy. As I mentioned in my second blog post, Joy, the oil of joy God imparts is not situational; it’s an unending joy sourced from His overflowing heart.

This leads us to John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” I love Jesus’s bluntness here. Just as branches depend on the vine for sustenance and growth, we, as believers, depend on Jesus for spiritual life and vitality. The key is to “remain”.

The fruit Jesus is talking about here are the fruits of the Spirit. His Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists all nine qualities. These qualities come as a result when we are connected to Jesus. Relying on Him and remaining in relation to Him, He empowers us to live out these virtues. Without Him, we cannot produce these fruits. If you have ever lived a season really close with God, then stepped back, you know this to be true.

As a Christian, some days I am so eager to read His Word. But most days, my flesh lacks that desire. This happened to me so often the past month. After an hour of working out, two hours of classes, seven hours of working, then two more hours of studying after work, I prioritized the desires of my flesh to skip my bible reading.

I was reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:27a, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control.” Another translation reads, “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave.”

In those times when the desires of our flesh begin to overpower our spiritual desire, make your flesh a slave to your spirit. Why? Because John 15:5 tells us that maintaining a continuous relationship with Him, we live our lives while naturally producing spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What this short period of time taught me is when I began to allow life to get in the way of my relationship with Him, I was able to realize how much I need Him in my everyday. Instead of focusing on Him, I was focused only on the busyness and chaos of life, which distracted me from my time with Him. My peace was disrupted, my joy was stolen, my patience was lessening.

It’s easier to wake up at 4:15am in the mornings with Him. I find more joy in the little things around me because I know it’s Him reminding me He loves me. I enjoy working out and eating healthy because it’s His temple. It’s easier for me to be grateful when I walk with Him.

Although I learned the hard way, I am so grateful to have a Heavenly Father guide me through my days. Waking up each day with Him springs new hope, excitement, joy, and encouragement. Waking up without Him made me dread my day, feeling like I was forced to go to classes, forced to work, forced to keep my body healthy, forced to be kind to people.

I also want to add that even though I had been distant from God, He was and is still holding my hand. I was driving one day in the midst of this period and felt the Spirit of the Lord so strongly. He was not angry at me. He welcomed me in His arms and reminded me that I am so loved and so cherished by Him.

I want to tell you friend, His grace is deeper than an ocean. His compassion overrides any length. His love stretches farther than any distance. I encourage you today, no matter where you are in your walk, that the closer you grow with Him, the more beauty and joy you will find in your “normal” everyday life.

I also want to remind you that being a Christian does not mean being perfect. Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

If you find yourself in seasons where you feel that you’ve strayed, He is always ready to welcome you back with open arms. I encourage you to prioritize your relationship with Him and watch how He transforms your daily life with His incredible love and joy.

Thank you for reading friend! I pray you feel encouraged to lean on Him and seek His face despite what life may currently look like. I pray His peace and joy fills your heart abundantly!