EXCEEDING JOY

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This past weeks have been filled with thoughts of me questioning what the heck I’m doing with my life, especially in my spiritual life. I’ve borderline been joyless and I mean joy that only God can give. With little to no zeal to pursue or seek God’s face talk less of tarrying in his presence, all I have genuinely desired and enjoyed is pleasing my flesh (Netflix, random Youtube videos, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram) but in the midst of all that I’ve somehow disciplined myself to study my bible and pray. The main theme of my prayer being “UPHOLD ME WITH A WILLING SPIRIT”. I knew my spirit was willing but my flesh was so weak.


In that same vein, I was enjoying a show on Netflix tonight when my spirit began to nudge me to seek God, I initially resisted but soon found myself asking to be upheld. I was soon led to Jude 24 which with all humility I have lost count of how many times I’ve read it. I in fact started a study guide on the book of Jude a week ago. But I followed the spirit leading.


Jude 24 : Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 


I found myself repeating the last part “Before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy”. Joy, the very thing my life currently lack. What does he mean exceeding joy? Joy in his presence? Wait! He derives exceeding joy in keeping me and presenting me faultless? Looks like that’s exactly what God is saying through Jude. He not only keeps/uphold me, he also brings/present before his glorious presence without a single fault and the best part he derives exceeding joy in doing that.


As tears rolled down my face I realized, maybe I’m exhausted because I’ve been trying to uphold myself which clearly wasn’t working. Maybe I’ve been relying on my strength when I needed to  wait on the Lord for my strength to be renewed (Isaiah 40:31). Maybe I underestimated the power of the spirit of resurrection to give life to my mortal body (Romans 8:11). Maybe my focus was wrong, like I’ve been seeking for my selfish gain. In my attempt to finding Joy, I forgot to purely and intentionally seek God (Matthew 6:33, 7:7-12). Joy was my goal not God. I forgot the joy I was seeking can only be found in him. Or better put he his the joy, the EXCEEDING JOY.


I was greatly blessed with this, I hope you were too.

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