“Let your joy be in your journey—not in some distant goal.” — Tim Cook

I spent over 1½ years in a fiery furnace; at least, that’s how it felt to me at the time. Juggling multiple issues that were mentally, emotionally, & at times physically draining. It was spiritually challenging, an outright battle. So, I fought with my sword every day (speaking God’s word over each obstacle), trusted Him to get me through it, and always asked for wisdom. And God came through time and time again. Yes!

Yet, one morning during the peak of the chaos, I realized something. Like the gas level indicator in my car, I felt that my joy level had gone from a “full tank” to a “half tank.” It had been slowly emptying, as I had not focused on it.

Of course, we’ve all heard (and quoted) the part of the scripture that says, “Count it all joy.” But what does it completely say? “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” — James 1:2 (ESV)

Isn’t that interesting? We’re to have joy no matter what difficulties or tests we face! And let’s not miss that it said, all. Everything gets added to our Joy tank to keep filling it up, whether good, bad, or ugly.

Russel M. Nelson said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

Currently, God is leading me to “focus on joy” for the remaining topics this year. So, I invite you to join me as we journey in joy.

Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
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