Lesson 9 - A Quiet Joy Within

This is our next to last lesson, dear ones, and a time for deep inner reflection. The assignment for this week is to pray and ask the Lord to show us our own hearts. What areas to we truly trust Him, and walk in His joy and peace, and what areas do we still cling to our own ideals and solutions? With prayer, Bible and notebook, I would like us to dig down deep and truthfully apply our response to the following situations:

1. At home, when the children are safely tucked in their beds, and you have time to put your feet up and relax.

2. When there is a knock on your door, and you realize that you've forgotten that someone was coming over, the house is a mess, you are in your sweats . . .

3. You are driving to the store, which is quite a distance from home. You are running late, and as you are almost there, you realize that you've left the checkbook/wallet and/or list of needs at home . . .

4. You've prepared the most wonderful meal, the house is perfect, the children are even behaving, and just as you are putting the finishing touches on the table, you get the call that your sweetheart will not be home until later due to an unexpected meeting. . .

5. You are scheduled for a series of tests at the hospital, as the doctor feels there are some things that need to be checked out . . .

6. The phone rings, you take a call that brings you news that you do not like . . . it will change your life . . . you will have to share it with your family / friends . . .

7. Special services at church, you invite a neighbor to come, one you've been praying for, for awhile. They come, and give their heart to Jesus . . .

8. An unexpected delay in traffic, and you are already running late . . .

9. You get news that the company you work for is laying people off . . . you do not know if your job is secure . . .

Okay, some we can relate to, some we can not, but it does cause our hearts to ponder. How would I really react? Can I truly be at peace in each and every situation as I rest in the joy of my salvation, that which is my strength? Fully knowing that God IS in control? Or, do I find myself fighting against things, struggling to find the answers to make things work. Trusting in myself and my own strength and abilities instead of seeking the Lord?Final question for you to ponder this week:

10. If joy and peace are both results of my walk with the Lord, why am I struggling so in certain areas? (you may wish to list out the areas, and prayerfully ask the Lord to help you to learn how to apply His joy and peace within them).

We'll be wrapping this study up next time.