By Jennifer Driscoll
Have you ever found yourself going through the motions?
Reading a daily devotion, check.
Thanking God for the day, check.
Listening to Christian music in the car, check.
Going to church on Sunday, check.
Telling others you are praying for them, check.
What happens when our fire for the things of God is dim? How do we keep from being distracted by all that life throws our way?
It seems like with all the conveniences we have that are meant to save us time often just bring about a longer to-do list.
Why are we always so busy, busy, busy?
I found myself in a desperate place, crying out to God in exhaustion, with barely enough words to speak when I received a revelation from Him. It came from this passage:
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” – Luke 1:41-44
The very presence of Jesus (still in the womb) impacted another unborn child to leap for joy! The very thought of Jesus’ arrival caused this little fetus to get excited. Knowing that the Messiah was coming made this baby, who hadn’t yet taken a breath, move with an expectancy of what this new life would bring to the world.
Are you excited about his return?
Are you excited about his presence?
Are you excited about your salvation?
Are you excited at the opportunity to be His child?
Are you excited about heaven?
Are you excited about the purpose His life gave you?
I imagine we all have things we take for granted. Our jobs, spouses, children, provision, friendships, clean water, transportation; the list could go on and on.
Keeping a grateful heart will help set our focus on the One who gave it all. Remembering all He has brought us out of, all the things He has provided, all the grace, mercy, and love He has offered should cause our spirits to leap for joy each and every day.
Jesus’ life – the purpose of His birth – was to bring salvation to the world. To redeem us of our sin. To bring hope to the hopeless.
His life gave us life.
That should make your spirit leap for joy. It’s when we are full of ourselves and allow distractions to come in that we forget and our spirits grow weak and weary. It’s when we try to do this life without him that we get discouraged.
If you are feeling low today, spend time in the presence of the One who will make your heart leap for joy again.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7
Jennifer is our Social Media Manager and has been at CCM for four years. Jennifer was married last year and just authored her 1st book, "Less Than," which tells her redemption story.
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