JOY IS HERESample

Joy In The “Next”

What do you do when you feel too overwhelmed to take your next step? 

Maybe you’re facing a huge decision that could change everything or maybe you’re struggling to get out of bed to face a stressful day ahead. Life can feel overwhelming no matter your situation.

When we feel like this, it can be hard to see past the stress of the moment or the enormity of the task. And when you can’t see past the moment, you might miss the bigger plan God has in motion. 

In Matthew 2, Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt to keep Jesus safe from King Herod, who wanted to kill Him. This sounds an awful lot like one of those daunting tasks, the kind where you don’t know what the next step will bring. 

When God calls us into something, we have to move forward into “next.” As intimidating as the road ahead may have seemed, God called them out into it anyway. 

When you are uncertain, God is not.

When you are afraid, God is not.

When you are at your breaking point, God is not.

This is how you find joy in the next: by resting in the knowledge that God is mightier than Herod –– and is with you every step of the way.

While there may be stress and uncertainty on the road, there is still joy to be found in the journey. God’s timing is intentional and He’s already given you what you need. 

When we push aside our own agendas and lean into what God wants us to do next, we can experience the joy He’s set before us. 

God, thank you for having my life in Your hands. Help me discern Your voice and hear what next step You want me to take to experience the fullness of joy that comes from living out Your purpose for my life. Amen.