Don't Squander the Wander!

Can I tell you a secret? The joy of the Lord is our strength.

Simple idea, yes, but massive impact. See, the joy of the Lord is from, well, the Lord. His joy. His power propelling such joy. His Spirit infusing us with this joy, for our strengthening.

While I’m not skilled at video games, I’ve sat in the room watching others who know far better than me which button to press, when to jump up to get the coins of treasure or whatever, and where to pounce in order to make it to the next level. Such experienced button pressers know exactly where to find what they need in order to excel, gain points, and finish the quest.

We’ve come a long way since the days of Pong played on an old box tv with no clicker.

As I naively look at the way video games are played today, it seems to give us a clue or two into tapping into all God has for us. We’ve got to know what the controller in our hand will do, and what buttons, colored and lettered, will get us the answers we seek. Kinda like how we need to know how to become active in our faith, and how to tap into all God has for us. The process is there, the pathways are marked, but we must engage.

The process isn’t where the power is. It just gets us to connect in the right way in order to find all we seek.

Process has a purpose.

As we go about the quest to find the treasure, we have to play by the rules. Jesus is our treasure, and this lifelong quest certainly has ups and downs, and quite a learning curve. We have been given a set of rules and guidelines, the Bible, which is essential in showing us the truth, rules, and map to the treasure.

Trying to go on this journey while not tapping into the truth will lead us down the wrong path and into the realm of things that try to steal all our progress. Don’t give the enemy an opportunity to steal your joy!

God and His unending grace allows us to grow amidst our mistakes. The joy of the Lord is here too! Our strength gets bolstered by knowing each mistake, each life lesson, is there for our refinement. We are not who we were before, and we are still finding out who we will be. There is joy for the journey.

We are allowed to take our time, try again and again, and eventually, we make it to whatever the next level is. For God’s glory.

Seeking the Lord, gaining wisdom and discernment, and repenting when we fall back into old sinful patterns is all a part of the process. All for the purpose of growth and a greater intimacy with God. Our walk of faith should be filled with moments where we look around and realize God is teaching us something new. We have a next level faith, and there’s more to experience. And His joy continues to bubble up within us, with every step.

The Holy Spirit is with us, comforting us in our troubles, imparting a peace that passes all understanding. Despite what things may look like in the natural. Regardless of our circumstances in this particular moment. The whole passing all understanding is exactly that. Our smile makes no sense to others. Our joy confounds. Our peace doesn’t compute. But oh my, it certainly does to God. Makes perfect sense to the Father in Heaven. After all, He knows our whole story before we take one breath. He knows the triumph over the grave that awaits. He understands that nothing can keep us from His love.

When we get even a glimpse of these things, our hearts and minds are flooded with joy that we can’t even describe. But that’s ok, no description needed. The joy He gives strengthens us for the journey. Helps us in the valleys. Propels us on the mountaintops. Impacts those around us. Glorifies the Lord.

One day, all of us will have that game over moment (couldn’t resist, sorry) but for those in Christ Jesus the game isn’t over, just the game of this world. We have the promise of eternity with the Lord in Heaven. And I propose this is the secret to having the joy of the Lord, this side of that two-word finality.

We have joy because we know we are His.

We have joy because no matter what we face, whatever level we are on, Jesus is with us, and has given His Spirit, His strength, and His joy.

We have joy because we know we have a promise of eternity. The enemy isn’t going to win. His fate and ultimate demise is already secured. With Jesus, we win!