I am not a fan of Luck; it can go one of two ways. When you have a 'streak of bad luck', you don't know why; when you have a 'streak of good luck', you also don't really know why. We get taunted with the whole 'thank your lucky stars' concept, or the Karma concept, but those don't really speak to the core point if thankfulness, the core point of gratitude or humble appreciation of our lives and the trends, paths, even odd-direction or predicaments in which we find ourselves. We want so badly to explain then away, understand them, even predict or thwart them. Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of our predicaments, even regardless of our plans, hopes, dreams... today's devotional is my desire to not only remind you that we can enjoy His joy regardlessly, but help you realize 'how' to have joy regardlessly, to experience that much deeper peace of our Lord.
There are many 'why you should enjoy His joy' scriptures, but Habakkuk 3:17-19 explains it best as it states; "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: (18) Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (19) The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments."
You may need to re-read that, to re-think that, and even re-apply that to your life... I do! See... our circumstances (tangible events in life) do influence our lives, but they are NOT the source of out joy, the core reason for our peace, for our security. As verse 18 notes, "Yet I will rejoice...", which is a reminder that we can and should remain on the rejoicing and 'joyful' side of an 'event', which postures our heart and soul to hear the very voice God Almighty... right in the midst of chaos, confusion, and what seems like 'hell'. No... in NO way being oblivious to pending doom, turmoil, or calamity; but faithfully trusting our Lord. As when Jesus called Peter to walk out of that boat onto the water 'with' Him, we can follow our Lord's calling with faith, hope, and joy... regardlessly!
How?
Remain in His presence, and you can and will be joyful. 1 Chronicles 16:27 proclaims; "Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.", which is a perfect reminder that in His presence, not only strength but gladness will engulf your very spirit, soul, and life... Joy Regardlessly.