3.07.2009

Go With This!


In my quiet time this morning, I picked up my devotional book called "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers to read the passage for today March 7. Most days I feel uplifted and moved at least a little from his devotions and other times I find them to be a bit opaque. Also, even though I've had this devotional book for several years, I find it amazing how one day's passage seems ho hum to you that day, and you read the same thing again a year later, and it completely resonates with you. I love that! Today, while this passage has always resonated with me, it really felt accentuated today - in our hard economy, in the doldrums of these last days of winter, in the pace of our days, remembering it's the Lenten season, etc.

The title for today's passage is THE SOURCE OF ABUNDANT JOY
The passage is from Romans 8:37 saying, "In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Paul reminds us that our love from God is not earned and never can be as exhibited by the Cross on Calvary. Also, that "we are super-victors with a joy that comes from experiencing the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us."

Chambers says, "Huge waves that would frighten an ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them."

What a tremendous thrill it is to know this joy! So many of my students here in studio C have felt like they're embarking on a daunting task so many times in starting their very first paintings and even their 20th paintings. I have still feel it sometimes, too, but when we PRESS ON and conquer that which seems overwhelming, we feel that abundant joy!

Go with this!

2 comments:

Anne Marie said...

I like this, Claire. Each day I try to remember to be open to joy and abundance but sometimes it's hard. Thanks for sharing this!

Carole Foret said...

Oh Sis,

What a beautiful sunset!! Did you take that in St. Marten? Thank you for sharing such a wonderful reminder of the source of our abundant joy! Praise God, the Father & The Holy Spirit!