Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Joy (05/18/06)
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TITLE: HELP WANTED: Joyful Attitude | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marty Wellington
05/22/06 -
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Sometimes selfish, occasionally downhearted married female (30+) is seeking a more joyous life and consistently positive attitude. This full-time mother of three now works 80+ hours a week both at home and in her own business. That all-important, Norman Vincent Peale-like attitude is definitely lacking. Despite her constant love affair with Beth Moore Bible studies and her frenzied attempts at daily quiet time, she finds something still missing—a joyful attitude. Reply to “Desperately Seeking Joy,” P.O. Box 895, State of Anxiety 99999.
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Dear “Desperately Seeking Joy,”
It grieves My heart to see you in such a state of mind. You appear to have lost your focus in the midst of a busy lifestyle. I know you feel all alone in your struggle, but rest assured you are not. I answer thousands of advertisements just like yours every day. Believe it or not, I never tire of responding because each of My children is precious to Me in countless ways.
I understand your every thought. I am intimately acquainted with all your ways. I surround you in a thicket of protection and I rest My hand upon your shoulder. There is nowhere you can go either in body or spirit that My Spirit will not constantly be with you. I formed your innermost soul and breathed life into your very being. All you need do is allow Me to search your heart and to discover your anxious thoughts. Remember, the murkiness of your heart is not dark to Me. Though you may feel the despair overwhelming you, rest assured that the darkest night is as bright as noon day to Me. The darkness and the light are one and the same to Me—for I AM. (Psalms 139 NASB paraphrased)
Have you seen My Son lately? I know He’s present there with you. He tells Me He is ready and eager to perfect His work in you. This is My instruction to you—Abide in My Son! It is only then that Our Word will live as a consuming fire in your heart and your prayer requests will be answered. Bear much fruit in order to glorify Me and shine as a light to the world so that all will know you have chosen to follow Me. Keep all My commandments in order to demonstrate your abiding love for Me. Remember, My Son spoke all these words to you too for one purpose—“that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11b NASB)
And, last but not least, cut back your work week to 70 hours. That will free up 10 hours to spend with Me! Dear child, I long to hear your sweet voice. I miss our heart-felt conversations in the garden. Return home to Me! While Norman Vincent Peale and Beth Moore are definitely on My A-List, you, child, are as well. I, the Lord God Almighty, am alive in your heart to bring you an unspeakable peace through your present storm. Rejoice in Me!
Unconditionally in love with you, my dearest, most precious, joy-filled child,
Your Ever Joyful Heavenly Father
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