Staying right at the center of GOD'S Love, keeping your arms open and stretched"

Much of the time, we live our lives trying to avoid stress. Sometimes that works. But let me ask you a question…

How did that work for you during COVID?

How is it working for you now?

Between the news, job changes, family issues… so much uncertainty! Not much space to avoid stress.

So, what can we do instead?

Car Maintenance

Let’s think in terms of a car. Hang in here with me…

If we only drove our car when the weather was perfect, there were no potholes and it was a short drive, how often would we drive?

We would be living a small life.

(Hmmm sounds a bit like Covid quarantine – and our attempt now to stay safe…) Okay, back to the analogy.

What if instead of only driving in perfect conditions,
we maintained the car so it could withstand more use?

How about oil changes, tire rotations, paying attention to any warning lights – and filling up the tank?

Let’s take this analogy example one step at a time. We will start with the importance of filling up the tank. Before you go on any trip you want to make sure you have gas in the tank.

So what tank do we need to make sure is filled?

Joy tank

What in the world is a joy tank?

Now there is a lot to say about joy. I will continue next time with some interesting information and excellent tips. But for now, we will see how important it was for Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV

We see the importance of joy all through the Bible.

My joy tank

When I feel my joy tank low, I read this verse and literally stretch out my arms to be filled with His joy.

Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. Message Translation

Your Turn

What does “filling up your joy tank” mean to you?

I would love to hear from you all.

On His Path of joy, (sometimes twirling with my arms wide open)

Shell