Devotional 4/17/20
“Joy- On the Peaks and In the Valleys”
by Dona Hake
Today we continue to look at ~joy~. We have all had times where we have let go of our joy. The secret to not letting go is stop, step back from a situation and step back into His presence where there is peace and fullness of joy. He is our Hiding Place, the perfect place to find what we need, and His fresh direction in a matter.
Today I felt to share something that a sweet friend of mine posted on Facebook. She loves the Lord, and from time to time she will share what God is teaching her in her journey as she and her husband deal with autism in their youngest daughter.
This young lady has inspired my heart, and her words always remind me to press in, keep godly perspective, and hold fast to joy. She gave me permission to share this with you, and I pray that this will touch your heart as it touched mine.
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“Autism; when a quick trip to the store to get eggs for painting becomes an epic unexplainable meltdown 😞. A year ago the situations did nothing but send me into frustration and despair as I remind myself of how risky it is to take her in public, why we can’t just have a normal day, how the looks from others tell me they don’t understand but today I’m thanking God for a renewed perspective.
Taking a moment to breathe and that He is present gave me just enough time to be reminded that this was an opportunity to become peace. Peace in my heart, that stress wouldn’t take over, and peace for her as she was so distressed she was screaming, kicking, drooling and pulling her hair out in front of everyone.
After getting her home I swaddled her and rocked her for thirty minutes, her little eyes squeezed tightly shut and her hands covering her ears. She needed an escape and I became her safe place, her peace. I am reminded my purpose is important to her. I am the manifestation of God‘s peaceful presence to her.
Just sharing to bring encouragement that when we take a couple extra seconds to rethink our perspective instead of reacting to a situation, we can change the situation and ourselves.
I am learning to become peace and calm in my child’s storms. That beats becoming frustration and fueling her fire. I’m thanking God is changing me through these challenges. Everyone has a choice to become bitter or better. I am looking up!”
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My friends, I have read this over and over since yesterday and each time the Lord speaks deeper things to my heart. I pray that He does the same for you. I leave you with this scripture.
“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties
see it as an invaluable opportunity
to experience the greatest joy
that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”
James 1:2-4 – TPT
James 1:2-4 – TPT