"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:38
I wish you could see the picture I'm looking at. It perfectly represents the season I'm in right now, dwelling with Jesus wherever He has me. I'm outside, baby monitor in hand, afternoon iced chai, paw patrol play phone at my side, and my 6-year-old not far from my view. These are the days. They are stretching and rewarding. They leave me feeling sleepy-eyed but also have been the days God has used to breathe so much life into me. This year in particular has been the year that has taught me what joy really is and what it looks like like to have the joy of Jesus residing inside of you. You can't contain this joy from Jesus; it begins to overflow and spill out into all other areas of your life. Which reminds me of what Jesus said would happen, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38
I’m so grateful to have landed in this place. Finally, my weary heart has found great rest. I've found the place to anchor my beat-up boat that has weathered spiritual storms I hope to never pass through again. However, Jesus was there through it all. Guiding my boat even when it felt as if the swells of the flesh might steal me away for good. Jesus didn’t fail in His promise to stay faithful when I felt faithless. He journeyed with me. He was behind me, before me, and beside me, just as we're promised in Psalm 139. The moments I felt totally alone, were actually the moments He was most certainly carrying me, though I didn't deserve it.
He triumphed as I felt victoryless in the valley. As He fought for my heart, just as He promised in John 17, He got the final say. He grabbed my heart, grappled my pride, called me to hand over the fear that left me paralyzed, and held a new name over me. Joy-filled and joyful.
I want to leave you with this, because perhaps what I share next is where you find yourself today. I always wondered if the word joy would ever be one to describe me. I wanted it so badly to be in the very fabric of who God knit me together to be. Yet, I found the "desire for joy" to be a thorn in my side. Continually showing me how "joyless" I felt even though I had a beautiful life. Then, just as God always does for those who seek Him and love Him, He revealed my pride. He uprooted my arrogance. He destroyed the fear I'd found myself tangled in and He saved me from the storm again. He did a mighty work and because of that work, the joy that only comes from Jesus, wins!
The days ahead are so much brighter than the ones behind us. Not for what they will bring, because they can hold difficulties, but they are brighter because we know the One who holds them all and we know how the story ends. Endless joy, bottomless love, and a grace so deep we cannot fathom. So my prayer for you is that you would seek Jesus, fully and completely. Don't throw in the towel when you feel like quitting. Show up with your prayers, make your requests known to Him, and trust He will pull you out of the pit. Get real with the Lord. Let Him in, loosen your grip on what you cling to so tightly, get comfortable knowing God knows best, and trust Him. I pray you find yourself joy-filled and joyful because of your King Jesus.
Pray with me:
Jesus, you are the Lord of my life. I am so thankful that reign as King of my heart. In you and through you I get to experience joy that this world cannot offer. I sense and see your love poured out over me that has no expiration. Thank you for the grace you've allowed me to receive because you work on the cross. Jesus, help me to live joy-filled and joyful for you. In Jesus's name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Diana Simumpande/Unsplash
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
Looking for authentic conversations about how to deal with body image, insecurity, and comparison issues as a Christian woman? The Compared to Who? Podcast is the show for you! Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like dieting, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, body dysmorphia, and more from a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered perspective.
Originally published Friday, 15 December 2023.
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