The Road to Inexpressible Joy

How is the road to inexpressible joy paved? I believe there is one singular truth that must rend the heart and bring light to the soul. The truth is that in Jesus Christ is eternal life. Apart from believing His word there is no life. There is no redemption. All hope is vain and helpless without Creator God becoming creation and bearing my sin, shame and guilt.

My inexpressible joy is found because I deserved hell yet one Man found me and wanted my love. My inexpressible joy consumes my life because no longer must I give way to what culture deems as "acceptable" or "right." I know I'm beautiful, regardless if I'm not a double zero, blond, outgoing and dress scandalously. I know this because Jesus has declared it. Precious in the sight of the Lord is a women full of grace and wisdom, with a gentle yet sharp spirit.

When my life no longer becomes my own is when I'm free to live. When I'm not tied down by insecurities or the thoughts and opinions of man, can live extravagantly abandoned to Jesus. I don't need the newest iPhone or cutest shoes anymore just to be satisfied or feel accepted. All I need is an open heart to Jesus. All I want is daily and constant communion with Holy Spirit.

My desires become less about what I can get to show off to people my importance. I instead turn to serve and love my family and friends in hopes that they may see how valued they are before the eyes of the Lord. To lay my life down. To let another get promoted above me. To keep silent when my pride wants to lash out with my opinions. To love with genuine Christian love.

This is the road to inexpressible joy. John the Baptist was a man of transcendence. He never had to self-promote his anointing. The people of Israel come out to see him because of the love in his eyes and the grace upon his teaching. John the Baptist had nothing. What can you take away from a man who has nothing? His locusts?

The anointing didn't come from years of bible college and seminary, but from the wilderness lifestyle. Listening to only one voice. Studying only one book. Living for only one Man.

The wilderness was not glorious. It's a harsh landscape. Not much socializing either, not too much networking happens in an empty, hot desert. John the Baptist said yes in the mundane. He said yes to year after year of rigor and discipline. He said no to the spirit of the age and yes to the Holy Spirit. The message was not a culturally relevant message. It didn't have quirky stories or good puns. He simply called the people of God to repentance. To turn from wickedness and acknowledge the hour they were living in. The hour of salvation. The hour of Messiah.

The mundane life of discipline works the muscle of joy in the heart which in turn causes an obedient willingness and trust to go where the Lord tells me and to die to my self when I must. This is joy! I no longer sit as king of my own life. Yet is why it's such a narrow road, many never find it for they're too busy running around.