UNEARTHLY THING◽ ENCOURAGEMENT
Last month, in The Seven for You column of this magazine, which is comprised of a panel of seven writers answering the same question, we looked at the things that bring us joy, which we call “joy-jumpers.”
Considering this topic inspired me to think about the different gifts God gives me that bring me joy. I’m so blessed by all the everyday simple things He gives me, and that alone increases my joy.
Joy is important. God wants us to enjoy our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. After all, the joy of the Lord is our strength.
I started making a list of all the things that bring me joy (see below). The more I compiled my list, the more I started to feel grateful. I have so much to be thankful for.
After expressing my gratitude to God, I became enveloped in His peace. The kind of peace that exceeds anything I can understand. His peace that guards my heart and mind as I live in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4). He is so good.
Simple joy-jumpers lead to gratitude, which brings on peace. How wonderful!
Please enjoy my list of joys. I hope they inspire you!
The Big Jumpers
-
Writing ideas: When God brings me a writing idea, it feels like Christmas. I get excited to unwrap His instruction. Just like this article. I was going to write about something totally different, but a rush of ideas came, and I felt like I could hardly type fast enough to get them all down. But if I missed one, God will remind me, and I’ll make a note and put it into my story. He’s good like that.
God also gives me ideas when I’m writing my novels. He’s so good with plot twists and character actions and reactions. He gives me ideas that would never come from my brain. I’m careful to stay out of His divine way when He gives me something while I write. Writing is a gift he has given me, and while I work hard to improve my craft, I know He gave me this gift for a reason, which needs to be fulfilled for His purpose.
-
Healing: Right now I am typing without any Band-Aids on my fingers. Rejoice! Digital ulcers are, unfortunately, a part of life with an autoimmune disease. Sometimes they get infected, and I have to take a course antibiotics. The bandages hold antibiotic ointment and provide protection. The ulcers take several months to heal because the wound develops from the inside out due to a lack of circulation. So having healthy fingers, as I do right now, something I regularly pray for, brings me a beautiful blend of joy and gratitude.
-
God’s voice: His voice is usually still, quiet, and self-authenticating. I know it’s Him. In much the same way a child knows their mother’s voice. He speaks to me in my soul and sometimes through a teaching that I have taken the time to listen to. I try to keep a journal of these blessings. I have a digital prayer journal on my phone that works great for this. The voice-to-text feature helps me express my thoughts. It’s so encouraging to look back through the entries at all the times God has been with me, helping me and comforting me. It brings me joy.
Everyday Simple Things
-
A Daily Special Treat: I love pouring chocolate milk instead of regular milk or cream into my Dunkin Donuts Cinnamon coffee in the morning. It reminds me of Mexican hot chocolate, which is so delicious. It’s like having a special treat on a regular morning.
-
Appliance Joy: My KitchenAid small appliances are so awesome! Not only do they work incredibly well, but both the blender and mixer are in their signature color, “Aqua Sky,” which is my favorite. I use one or the other appliance more often than I thought I would.
-
Devotion Time: My daily devotion and prayer time is so important to me. Maybe this belongs in the “big things” section, but every day I start the day with at least thirty minutes of quiet prayer and meditation time during which God often speaks to me.
I need to begin my day with God, and it has become my joy to do so. After my pets are fed, I settle into my reclining loveseat with a blanket covering me, red light therapy on my hands, and a heated eye mask over my eyes (helps with dry eyes so much!).
In the quiet of the early morning, I come before God with everything. I ask my heavenly Father to be there in my living room with me. I tell Him about things I did or said that I don’t feel right about. I ask Him for help with difficult matters, especially when my heart is broken, and I’m sad. He never fails to give me wisdom when I ask for it.
And I ask Him for help, healing, and/or comfort for a list of people who are on my heart daily. I come away from my time with Him refreshed and strengthened. And with a greater joy that wasn’t in me before.
He’s so good like that.
ANGELA DOLBEAR Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction and non-fiction. She is the author of four contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. All her novels are available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. She is the president of the Nashville Chapter of Word Weavers International. Please visit the THYME Magazine Bookstore for more information. Drop by Angela’s website and sign up for news, read the latest stories, and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm.