Recently I've been more aware of my feet. I think of the many miles that have I traveled in this lifetime. Places my feet have taken me in Africa, Brazil and Europe. The many towns, villages and cities and the various landscapes of valleys, oceansides and hills that I have trodden.
Perhaps thinking of my feet is a result of the upcoming medical procedure to stop a leaking valve in my left leg. Or it could be the bone weariness of getting up and going through a day where stress and pressure of work greets you at the first ring of the phone. And even on the best days like Saturday when my wife and I travel to visit small New England towns that same tiredness seems to follow.
At 47 I'd think that my energy level should not be diminishing. After all I exercise at least twice a day and have a regular devotional time with God in the morning. So why does it feel like any measure of strength seems to bleed out?
The Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5). At times I've awaken with a sense of gladness and a smile brightens my face - usually at the sound of birds singing on a warm spring day. Life outside my window is stirring and the energy of that alones brings joy to my heart. Yes, I'm still breathing and alive and assuredly as His mercy is new every morning so too can I experience His unfolding joy.
But the strength of joy in this life's journey must be sustainable. There will be a day when the birds don't sing and winter season brings a death grip. When life's unexpected twist and turns steal any joy and tempt one to be bitter and angry.
Then I read Hebrews 12:2 that says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (KJV). The ugliness and shame of the cross did not take the joy from the Son of God rather He looked past it - to see us today - and that is what filled His heart with unspeakable joy.
We can go through anything and endure everything when the source of our joy is Christ. It requires us to fix our eyes on Him and not on earthly things. Joy should not be a weary work but a light and satisfying experience of which I'm learning in this life's journey this Scripture: Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you! (I Peter 5:7).
I know there will be a day when I see Him face to face and fullness of joy will be mine. Until then I must learn joy is a choice despite the weariness because I must learn to look past what I see to whom I must see - and that makes a difference in a lighter step in the journey.
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