I am thankful for umbrellas, particularly my hot pink umbrella that says New York City a zillion times all over it, but I would much prefer to never have a need for an umbrella. I am not a rainy day kind of woman. I love, love, love warm weather and sunshine!
The world is in dire straits now considering how many have their backs turned to God and are living in rebellion against Him. This coupled with our own personal trials and tribulations can make it seem like we need to keep our “umbrellas” open 24-7 to protect us from the big black cloud and endless rain we may feel we have over us as though “sunshine”, warmth, and joy will never return.
But God has taught me no matter the trials of this life that we can say goodbye to our “umbrellas” and learn to experience “bright skies” and “sunshine” and joy each and every day. In our hearts! In our thoughts! In our countenance! In our attitudes! In our words! In our actions! Regardless of what goes on in our lives and in this world! WHEN WE LOOK TO THE LORD!
By abiding in Jesus. By enjoying a beautiful intimate passionate forever relationship with Him. By spending time alone with God every day. Praising and worshiping the Lord and reading the Bible and crying out to God and praying and seeking Him and hearing Him. By drawing ever closer to Him. By growing in our relationship with Him. By learning to focus on Jesus not on our trials. By focusing on the Bible not on the world’s woes.
By reflecting on the truth Jesus’ followers will one day be in heaven where everything will be perfect. By focusing on God’s love and goodness not on the awfulness that exists in this world. By keeping our hearts and eyes ever open to God’s wondrousness, kindness, grace, mercy, wisdom, His endless blessings all around us. Most of all, by experiencing and enjoying the personal presence of God in our lives. By pursuing and holding onto an intimate relationship with Jesus. By being totally devoted to the Lord. By worshiping God in our hearts and words and lifestyle.
We can find joy in Jesus 24-7 forever! Regardless of life’s struggles.
Will you cry out to God with rejoicing and thanksgiving for Him, His love and goodness, His wondrousness and blessedness, His magnificence and majesty, His Bible and His promises, His blessings He bestows on us every day, and the joy we can have in Him?
May the Lord be our sunshine! May He be our light! May He be our joy! May He be our first and forever and ever LOVE, AMEN!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV
“Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV