Child-Like Joy

My son is such an amazing little boy. At only 7 months of age (well, 7 months tomorrow!), he has such a cheerful spirit, always smiling, his heart full of joy. Even when he is sick or hungry or needs a diaper change, it is almost as though he is straining to even complain about that! This is something I truly admire about my sweet baby boy. I crave to feel the joy he naturally feels all day long!

Yesterday at bible study with some friends we all committed to a daily 'quiet time' with God. Mind you, ALL of us are mothers and homemakers, most have two or more children, I am in school; bottom line, we are ALL busy and finding 'quiet time' with God during the day is truly a challenge. However, it is absolutely necessary.We are learning through our study, Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph, just how crucial this quiet time is to be create a healthy, happy home, raise healthy, happy children, and for your relationship with God to be solid. This one on one time, praying over your home, husband, and children daily, worshiping throughout your daily chores, school work, errands, dinner prep, and everything else we do during the day is in fact the ONLY way this craving for joy will be fulfilled!

Take a look at what the bible says about having quiet time with God:

--But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ~Matthew 6:6

--But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.~Psalm 1:2

--Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ~Matthew 14:22-23

This is just a teeny tiny glimpse into the importance of getting alone with God. As Courtney Joseph said in last weeks study, if JESUS needed quiet time with God, we surely do!

The fact is, friends, that natural, true cheerfulness and pure joy, like that of a child...like that of my own child, cannot be satisfied until we are fully engulfed in Him. Until we set aside the 5, 10, 15 minutes a day to be with Him. Until we begin to pray and worship not only on Sundays, but throughout the entire day. How easy is it to just whisper, "Thank you Lord for the clothing you have provided for me and my family." while doing your laundry. Or "Lord bless this bedroom where my child sleeps" picking up their toys.

Our Lord God IS the joy I have been craving; why on earth has it taken me so long to 'get it'? I have no idea, but I've got it now! I have decided to challenge myself to pray throughout the day, in addition to my quiet time and in addition to my bible study. I have done so the past few days and the perspective God has given me, the new appreciation for my home and my family, has already given me such joy. I am looking forwards to the many, many prayer times ahead today!

Joy and Blessings on your day!
~Kaila