Find Joy: A Journey To Unshakeable Wonder In An Uncertain World Sample

“I know God loves us,” said Camila to her friend Sarah as she glanced at her GPS, “but why doesn’t He speak to us? With everything going on in my life, I need to hear from Him.” 

Sarah somehow maintained a sense of joy and direction from the Lord even in the midst of the greatest storms. Now that Camila was facing her own storms, she wanted Sarah’s secret. 

Sarah paused. Finally, she said, “He does speak. I’ll tell you how to hear from Him, but I promise you won’t like the answer.” 

“Tell me anyway,” Camila replied, as she drove through the crowded streets.

“You have to turn off the flow of everything that is distracting you right now. Turn off social media. Stop the flow of the news. Set your alarm, wake up early, and have coffee with the Lord.” 

Ugh. Sarah was right. This definitely wasn’t what Camila wanted to hear. Social media was Camila’s constant connection to the world. If she turned it off, her friends would be upset. How would she keep up with her sorority sisters? If she turned off the news, how would she know what was happening in politics? 

Sarah knew exactly what she was thinking. She smiled ruefully. “How much do you really want to hear from God? Do you want the true God who is your Master, but also your friend? Or do you secretly want the magic genie in the sky who downloads His directions at your request? That’s not Him. If you want to hear from your boss, or from a friend, you have to cut out all distractions and pay attention to that person. You wouldn’t surf social media while your boss is talking to you, or at lunch with a friend. It would be rude, and you wouldn’t hear them properly. It’s the same thing with God. You have to cut out whatever keeps you from hearing that still, small voice.” 

Camilla was convicted. How many conversations had she missed with the Lord because of the distractions she allowed to consume her days? 

What about you? Can you relate to the excuses Camila came up with to justify her cluttered life? I know I can. Or, do you ever secretly want directions from God without the investment of time in your relationship with Him? Oh, that is so convicting! How willing are we to turn off anything that keeps us from hearing Him? 

In His presence there is fullness of joy. There is no distraction, no momentary hit of interest from the latest news or the latest update video, that is worth missing HIM.

Reflect

What are some ways you can be sure to spend time with the Lord on a daily basis? 

When you become distracted, what are some ways you can get back on course? 

Write those down and practice them for the next few weeks.