Trust, Joy, and Labor

If joy is found in trust…

Trusting God has a good plan.

Trusting His justice.

Trusting God cares.

…then do we just wallow in the status quo?

Do we simply say “this is how God made me and so I trust His plan, His justice, and that He cares. So I don’t have to do anything.”

Or perhaps it is joy that leads us to our knees in fervent prayer.

Joy that prays for wisdom so we know what our next step ought to be.

Joy that steps out on uncertain waters trusting God’s plan, justice, and care.

Joy that works for God’s glory regardless of what the results of that work show.

Joy that says humbly obeying God is my greatest pleasure in life no matter the outcome.

No matter the outcome. Regardless if I see the fruition of dreams or plans. No matter if I see the correcting of some huge wrong.

Abolitionist after abolitionist died before the slave trade in the U.S. was finally abolished. But each person’s work added to the weight that finally broke the back of the slave trade.

Perhaps God has called you to a work that’s fruit will not be seen this side of heaven. Or perhaps He has give you a dream and He keeps shutting doors. The work seems fruitless, giving-up seems easier than plodding along. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from those in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11).

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on earth.” Hebrews 11:13 ESV

Joy is doing everything to the best of our ability. But we don’t have to fear if we are enough, because God is.

Joy is trusting God with the outcome of our labor. No more fear of failing or doubts of being effective for God is in charge of the outcome.

Joy is working for God’s glory and honor knowing the fruit may only be seen in eternity’s light.

Trust, Joy, and Labor…Maybe that could free us to live for God in ways we never thought possible, in the strength that is the joy of the Lord.