The Lord's House Community Church

Entries in Your Joy Journal

Keeping a Record of God’s Blessings

 

Scripture

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

 

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

Thought for Today

Do you write the events of your day in some kind of a journal? If so, you are among millions who record their thoughts, dreams, and plans in a notebook or an electronic device. Journaling has become an increasingly popular means to stay focused and organized with the tasks needed to reach life goals. For some people, writing is cathartic and releases negative emotions like pain and disappointment.

Today’s devotional focuses on a journal you should maintain that does not require a pen, paper, or a computer. It is written on the tablet of your heart. This journal is a record with just one subject, the goodness of the Lord in your life (Psalm 27:13). Think of it as a journal of joy, an accounting of how much God loves you. 

You can access it at any time, from anywhere you are. It is always with you because it is inscribed upon your heart! As a child of God, you receive a wealth of blessings day-to-day to fill with entries to look back on for encouragement.

Philippians 4:8 shows you the method to use to add your entries. The verse contains a comforting list of positive adjectives like true, lovely, and good. Then it tells us to think, or meditate, on these things. Research shows that the average human has from 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts every day.  We are encouraged to intentionally meditate on the specific areas listed. Doing so prepares our thoughts for transcription to the tablets of the heart. 

A mind filled with the truth and goodness of the Lord is transformative (Romans 12:2). Soon, your thoughts penetrate your heart until it overflows with miracles that change your life. The bible tells us that all issues of life flow from the heart (Proverbs 4:23). Accessing and retaining the truth of the Word affects everything about you. Your finances, relationships, and walk with God reflect the His merciful Will. A heart full of joy also improves mental and physical health (Proverbs 17:22). Regular access to your joy journal allows you to view your past, present, and future life from a heavenly perspective.

The next verse explains the reward for thinking about these things. Philippians 4:9 reads: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 Note that the Apostle Paul wrote that following his example results in having the peace of God with you. Earlier in the chapter he describes the nature of this peace. Verse 6 in his message teaches us not be worried or anxious about anything. Paul writes that sending petitions to God will give us the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). Note the final result is supernatural God-like peace, not happiness.

Does this mean we should not be happy? No, it does not indicate that by any means. Numerous scriptures affirm that God wants us to be happy. Among them include Proverbs 16:20, which says that “happy is he” who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 3:13 tells us that the man who finds wisdom is happy. Yes, many scriptures invite us to be happy. But in truth, peace in your heart is far more valuable. 

You cannot obtain happiness, joy, comfort, or anything other good things if you don’t have peace. Happiness is a state of mind that is dependent upon circumstances. Some trials and tests make it impossible to feel happiness. Peace – God’s peace – doesn’t concern itself with what’s happening around you. It surrounds you with His love and gives you the strength and courage to get through the challenge. God’s peace holds your hand with love until you can get to the other side of the pain and feel happy once again. 

Develop a joy journal in your heart and access it in both good and tough times. When faced with a challenge, open your heart and see the things He has done for you which prove His love. In seasons of plenty, search the contents of your heart and speak words of love and gratitude to your Heavenly Father. 

 

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but

with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God.

2 Corinthians 3:3,4

 

Time to Pray!

Lord God our Father. Thank You for the joy and peace You pour out each day. Cleanse our hearts so that we have the room to fill them with your truth and mercy. Teach us to bind Your words around our necks to remind ourselves of your goodness and mercy. In the name of Jesus…Amen