Have you ever met someone and thought, I want that. I want their joy and abundance for life, their kindness, their radiance of something almost tangible. Their relaxed, non-judgemental and accepting viewpoint on life and others. The people I’ve encountered with these attributes, I soon learn, are followers of Christ. They love others how he loves us, they forgive others as he forgives us, and find joy in the high parts of life and peace in the lows. They have a different outlook on life, and their actions reflect this- this outlook is from something greater, it’s uniqueness and purity.

Asking them this, they threw answers and proof my way. Their excitement, confidence, and clarity about the messages and promises that are for us, caused me to gain the same joy they encompass.

God won't give you more than you can handle, He wants to take your struggles and hardships

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whatever you have going on in your life, the bad things that just about break you- they won't. You believe they will, and brief, sparring moments it's easy to believe they will. However, no matter your belief, there is a God who promised he wouldn’t give you more than you can handle. God allows hardships to show himself to us, to turn us towards him. By knowing him, and leaning on him, we have a safe haven in the promise that there is life in him. Having him as a focal point in all the aspects, it will bring you strength to get through the lows and carry you over into the high’s.

He Knows You

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

Everybody has a quote on quote “person;” someone who knows what they need to hear, what they’re feeling, and how to be exactly what they need. Imagine someone who knows you inside and out, exactly how you’re feeling who is always there. Who won't judge you, who wants to be your person, and who loves you even when you’re wrong? Who will always be there? That person exists, they know what you’ve been feeling because He was once there. Every feeling, moment of depression, sadness, anxiety, hurt, and every emotion in between you’ve ever felt- he’s been there. And He wants to be there because He loves you.

Alone

“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

Anxiety isn’t a foreign feeling to anyone- we’ve all been there. Trying something for the first time, taking a test, fighting with a friend, it’s all the same for everyone. However, we don’t have to feel that way. Someone much greater than us is willing to take that on- to own it, to ease the burden and for you to put your faith in something real, proving that the phrase, “it’ll all be okay,” isn’t cliché. it’s real, and we all are able to experience it. So next time you're anxious, pray- put it in God’s hands and watch as it works itself out.

Purpose

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21)

Many of us go through the motions life wondering what our purpose is here- what brings you joy and gives you a reason to get up in the morning. Why we’re here, what we’re here for, and how our time here will be defined and remembered. The point is, the purpose is two things: Choose Joy, and Chase Grace. Whatever you do, Choose Joy- find those that bring you joy, and surround yourself with them. Find those who Chase Grace in whatever they do, and live in a way that reflects Jesus- it’s real love, and their character is transparent. They will urge you to chase Jesus, and within that, you’ll find what brings you joy- what you love, why you’re here- a purpose.

Heaven

"There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am." John 14:2-3

When we were little, we had this idea of what heaven was like. Our imaginations ran wild, painting a picture of most likely rainbows, unrealistic mythical creatures, and a big throne. For me, it was a table- where God laid you down and fixed everything wrong with you- if you couldn’t walk, he changed your legs. He changed things for the greater, a promise as everlasting as our life in him.

To know Him is to truly know Joy- Chase Grace, Choose Joy.