First off, thank you all so much. Even you reading this blog right now makes me happy because you care to peak into the window that is my life, which God has graciously and lovingly gave me. I have been doing a lot of soul searching, meditation, work on improving myself and trying to find the joy in everything that is life. I believe I am still in the infancy of my life and although I may think I know a lot, I am still like a newborn in my understanding of the way this world works, and understanding God. I will be learning new things and hopefully trying to improve myself until the day I leave this earth. One thing I am glad I am learning now, in this youthful state is finding the joy in everything. Now I am no expert in this topic, but I feel like I’m on to something.
I believe that we are meant to enjoy this life. And more often than not, our circumstances internal and external bring us down, rob us of that joy, and push us to our breaking points. Now I am not saying we need to be in a constant “happy go lucky” attitude, the Bible doesn’t say this either. Jesus experienced pain and mourning in His life on earth. The shortest verse in the bible talks about Jesus’ mourning. John 13:35 – “Jesus wept.” Another example of Jesus experiencing anguish and suffering, “Luke 22:44 – And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
So it is evident that we will experience pain and trouble in this life. But the key to finding joy in the midst of these trials is taking a step back, and looking to God. Looking at who God is, and what He has already done for us.
I believe that God, at his very core is Love. He doesn’t love us because we are lovable, His love is unconditional and unmerited. God doesn’t feel love, He is love. The bible tells us time and time again that in any situation, any season of life good or bad, we can find joy, peace, rest, and wholeness when we step back and look at God. Jesus has already won the battle that we couldn’t win. He taught us how to live through the example which was His life. His sacrifice for us on the cross was proof that God loves His creation to die for them. And his resurrection seals the whole deal by proving that not even death can beat Him and that same resurrection will be provided to us, granted we accept the gift that Jesus wants to give us.
So in my life I have been trying to apply this kind of thinking in all of my situations. I have been changing the way I used to think of things, and putting God at the center. When I go to work at Starbucks, I am not working for my manager, or the customers. I am working %100 for God, and Him alone. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters.” When I apply this in my life, my days become increasingly joyful and fulfilling. I believe the second key is remembering God’s promises to us. The promises of His closeness, peace, rest, and knowing that one day every tear will be wiped away – Revelation 21:4. This is just one of the many things I am learning about God in my journey in this world. My next blog will be more personal on how I am doing, goals, emotions, spiritual growth, and everything in between, so stay tuned! Love you all so much! -Justin Seibert
