Ramen Noodles and Joy

Happy Sunday! First off let me just say how much I enjoy FALL! I love this time of year for so many reasons! In order to kick off this great season, Janio hooked us up with this wonderful spiced pumpkin candle. Our noses have thoroughly enjoyed it. :)

The title of this post may seem a little random and that’s because it is.. but hopefully after reading a little further it will make atleast little bit of sense.

Lately I have been studying Philippians and reading Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer... This combination along with the holy spirit has caused deep conviction in my heart. Let me just confess, I really struggle with having joy in Christ. Often times I focus on the not so ideal circumstances I find myself in and thus lose sight of the unwavering hope I have in Christ. When I do this I become "down" or just sad.. The struggle with finances, relationship conflicts, busyness, and the list goes on seems so large and God, so small.

In Philippians Paul is in prison and making it his goal to proclaim Christ to all!  He is also encouraging the church to press on in proclaiming Christ to all. Paul is full of JOY in the midst of these terrible circumstances... and it is clear that his joy is NOT based on his circumstances, how could it be??!?! He is in prison.. his joy is from Jesus Christ. He is preaching the gospel to himself and to all that will listen. The hope of the gospel gives him inexpressible joy even in trials.

Man, after reading that my circumstances seem to pale in comparison to Paul's. I am free. I am not in prison. I am surrounded by other believers and the list goes on.. My prayer is that I would look to the finished work of Jesus on the Cross when I am overwhelmed by the difficulties of this life. I also pray that I would cling to the hope that is found only in Jesus because then and only then is when I will have joy that is everlasting.... even when a tight budget forces me to eat Ramen noodles!! ;-)

Will you join me?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23