Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

March 24, 2022

Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a joyful day! I cleaned the apt this morning and made a Blueberry Crumble and went downstairs for Donuts. This afternoon we have Bible Study and then good friends from college days are coming after that.Emoji Always lots of laughter when they come! Kurt is also stopping by on his way to the Lake so a fun afternoon in store! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
As I watched a health video one day, I noticed how the speaker was so full of joy and enthusiasm. She was talking about bone health, and how our bones will be stronger when we are not stressed but have a joyful outlook. We might also say joy and laughter is good medicine, good for our whole body.
Does that mean everything in our lives is peachy great? No! But it does mean having joy in the One who is love, who is Joy and who gives us deep peace. He is the Joy giver! If we have a lack joy, we cannot blame it on the Joy Giver but the problem is with us as the receiver.
If the Lord is not first in our lives, then we can get our focus on seeking material things, on worldly pleasures, on having a life of comfort etc.; but in the process we will be robbed of our joy. We have all known people with lavish houses, huge bank accounts, and who go on exotic trips all over the world, and yet they feel empty. Riches don’t satisfy and pleasures fade.
Joy is in a person, and when we neglect Him, we are left with an empty feeling that we are missing something, missing “Someone!”.
Today if we have lost our joy we can pray as David did in Psalm 16:11 (ESV) “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”  We can find joy in His presence by walking close with Him and by spending time with Him, sharing our hearts. As we read the Word and listen to what He is speaking to us and follow in obedience, we will experience deep satisfaction and joy. That means getting rid of secret sins, and being expectant of what God wants to do in our lives. We can also ask in Jesus’ name and it says in John 16:24 (Message translation), “Ask in My name, according to My will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!” 
If we want a fresh start and overflow with Joy, let us draw close to the Lord and ask in faith that His joy will overflow in us.
Challenge for today: Pray David’s prayer in Psalm 16:11, that He will restore your joy and giving you a willing Spirit to go His way.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

1 Comment

  1. Chris

    Thank you Judy. I’m not “struggling “ with a decision, rather I’m trying to “work through what I should do. Thought out the weeks your devotions offer many good insights. God Bless🙏💕

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