The Big Secret

The big secret to maintaining JOY is thankfulness. :) Joy is not limited to perfect circumstances, simply, it is limited to the grateful in heart.

Life is never perfect. At least mine never is. There are always difficult waters to tread through, fires to put out and demands that need to be met. Yet, when we fix our gaze on Yeshua, and give Him thanks- our joy stays full.

Just like there is a secret to being  joyful, there is also secret to being miserable. The big secret of the miserable heart is to be ungrateful. The focus of their thoughts and attention is securely fastened on that which they don't have. When we fix our gaze on that which we lack, we only set ourselves up for having a perpetually sick heart. Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)

Those who have their greatest hope set on God's Presence, live in a continual state of having their  longings fulfilled.  Yet, those who seek His hand over His face, can miss the greatest blessing that is right in front of them- HIM.  Unfortunately, when we look to the hand of God, over the face of God, our faith is often limited or boxed in by our needs. We have a certain expectation of what we feel God should do for us, and if He doesn't meet that need within the box we've created, we can feel overlooked, or ignored. This simply isn't true! God doesn't overlook anyone. Perhaps He has chosen to answer your prayer in an unexpected manner. If we stay so focused on our needs being met, we limit ourselves by putting on the "tunnel vision glasses" of the ungrateful and miss the big picture. There is no material possession, no prophecy fulfilled, no closer friendship and no sweeter promise than the Presence of Yeshua. Those who know the sweetness of His presence, are often the most open and grateful individuals.

No matter we're needing in the moment, our constant need can only be found in His Presence.

We enter the gates of His Presence with thanksgiving.
In His Presence there is fulness of joy. 
In His joy, we have strength.
And in His strength, we can do all things!

 Even if you don't "feel" thankful. Thank Him! Just pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate what you do have. Chances are, if you are reading this, you probably have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food in your tummy, and wifi. Congratulations, you are one of the richest people in the world. :)

I know these may initially seem trite, but just think of the despair we would have, should these elements be removed. So just begin to thank Him for everything. Your emotions will eventually line up with your spirit, but you must be focused on making headway through gratitude and faith.

Imagine yourself at Costco standing in line to get gas. If you were empty, there would be nothing that could persuade you to leave the line. Why? Because you can't go anywhere without gas in your car. Likewise, the joy of the LORD is our strength. It's like the gas in our tank that keeps us on the road He has destined for us. When there is no joy, there's no gas. When there's no gas, we can't go anywhere, we're just stuck on the side of the road, focused on our own misery.  Without a refill, our only options are to be "pushed along," or "drug along" by someone else.  You and I both know this only adds to the misery.  

The great news is that no matter how full, or how empty our tanks our, they can always be topped off. Your gratitude is like the gas cap you need opened to fill your tank.  Without it, there's no inlet to receive the blessings that come from His Presence.  As you thank God, you will find your anxiety dispelled, and your heart filled. Thank Him, and bless Him until your tank is completely filled up and your joy is full. This is God's heart for you in Messiah Yeshua.

Then, begin to thank people. Yes, people. Whether you realize it or not, you are blessed by so many people every day. Thank your spouse, your family, your children, your parents, your teachers, your Rabbi, your Rebbetzin, your Pastor, your youth leader, your elders, and your friends. But they're not perfect, they've let me down and even really annoy me at times! Okay, thank them anyway! There must be something good you can express gratitude for. ;)  This doesn't necessarily need to be dramatic thank you cards, it can just be a heartfelt verbal expression, Facebook post or text.  These little "thank you's" you express to the LORD and to those He has put in your circle of influence helps to keep your tank "leveled off." If your leery of this practice, it might be a good idea to experiment with it. I would love to hear what happens to your emotional well being. :)

He has not destined us to be full of despair, anxiety, anger, or sickness. He paid a heavy price for us to live an abundant life- one full of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Thank Him for the blessings from His hand, but let your longing be for His Presence. For it is only in this secret place, that we are made whole. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. (1 Thess 5:16-18)