Keep Growing
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 NKJV We go through seasons of growth, some rapid, some not so quick. When I was little, I remember waking up with pains in my legs, back and arms…aches for no apparent reason. My mom would always reassure me they are normal growing pains.
You see, when we are in a fast growing period, it’s uncomfortable and causes pain. how we respond to that pain that makes all the difference in the world. Right now, I am in a season of growth and being stripped down. Through this process, I tend to be moody, short tempered and not the most pleasant to be around. I know I must be careful and pray a lot. I need to use caution with my words, remain calm and respond according to intentional wisdom.
I know my breakthrough is coming.
I know God is doing a great work in me through all of this. I know I am being emptied to make room for the coming blessings.
Let’s say you are packing for a weekend trip. You have a suitcase filled with all the things you will need; bathing suits, day clothes, sleep clothes, toiletries and so on. Your packing is all complete and you think you did a great job! All of a sudden, the phone rings and you find out you will be attending a fancy gala and need to bring a formal dress to wear. Oh no! Now you will need to empty something out to make room for that sparkly, spectacular dress.
Our spiritual growth works the same exact way. We have spent our whole lives filling “self” with all kinds of things we definitely do not need to bring with us where God is taking us. We have to empty out what doesn’t belong in our lives anymore to make room for the glory He wants to fill us with.
This is pruning.
John 15:1-2 says; “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
In order to grow, you have to let go of some of the stuff filling your time and make room for Jesus. Your joy is found there in His presence and we are ALL searching for joy.
Salvation gets you the ticket to heaven, but the choices you make on this train of life determines the quality and enjoyment of the ride.
What an amazing journey it is. We need to keep seeking the Father’s plans, keep asking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and keep confessing each victory comes from and passes through the Father’s hands to you and me. You are His precious child and He wants you to grow near to Him.
Here are three calls to action you can do, starting today, to grow closer to God, grow your joy and increase relationship with Him.
Pray. As soon as you open your eyes in the morning, let the first words out of your mouth be “Thank you, God for this new day.”
Read your Bible. The only way to get to know someone better is to spend quality time with them. The Word is God. John 1:1 says “In the beginning was the word, the word was with God and the word was God.” By reading the Word, we grow to learn His character and can hear His voice clearly.
Be about His business. Each day find at least one thing you can do for someone else. Those random acts of kindness will grow your heart in so many ways!
We are all seeking joy and fulfillment in this crazy life, and we can rest in the assurance it is found in Christ Jesus. We don’t have to strive to be better, that’s not what being a christian is all about. All we have to do is allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and the better happens as a result. Get out of your own way and keep saying “YES” to all He has in store for you. He knows the plan. Believe me, beautiful, it is so good.
Be blessed.
