Recently the word and definition of "joy" has been on my heart. The difference between happiness and joy has come into my thoughts daily as I look to become involved in things down here that add to the joy that Christ is continually growing in my heart.
I used to think to myself: "Every day is a new day; a new day for change, happiness, and to simply have a fresh start."
Through Christ's word it has been revealed that not only is every day new, but every moment is new. Every single moment of our lives we have the choice to turn anything around. Through Christ's love and salvation we no longer need to look at what we did 10 mins ago with shame and disappointment. But instead embrace the power of the cross and the sacrifice Christ made for us so that our hearts could begin to fill with joy through his gift.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the richest of God's grace."
Ephesians 1:7
Through reflections such as these I have been able to see that through Christ alone is joy able to truly fill my heart. As the walls of my heart can get muddied up with regret, shame and doubt Christ continues to take a wash cloth drenched in his blood to clean up every single mess I have allowed to live in my heart, where only his grace, and glory should abound.
My heart continues to fill with joy with every new adventure God has me embarking on. Looking back and realizing I could have never laid out this path for my life through my own doing humbles me before my King. I have met so many amazing, godly individuals here in Rochester who have continued to push me towards the young woman that Christ has created me to be.
I continue to pray that the writings that make up this blog are all to the glory of Christ. Not for humanly recognition but for his glory only. Keep running towards Christ, digging into his word and allowing your heart to be completely in awe of his glory and love!
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
