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This past week, I found myself feeling a bit heavy-hearted. My mind was full of thoughts—some of them good, but some weighing me down. Ever feel that way? I thought to myself, I have to get back to my happy! As Christians, we often diminish the importance of happiness, wondering, Does God really want me to be happy? My answer? Absolutely, yes! Of course, our walk with Jesus involves suffering, but God also calls us to be glad in Him. Did you know that the word glad appears more than 150 times in Scripture?
Worship has to do with ascribing to the Lord worth or value. It aligns with the first commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:5). As we explore this topic, we find that worship is the reason why we were created and the ultimate expression of our lives. The angelic beings, who are constantly before the throne of God, embody this truth, holding the greatest position and authority in the heavenly hierarchy due to their continual worship of the Creator (Rev. 4:8-11).
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 Beloved, the more you grow in your revelation and valuation of how Jesus' finished work has placed you in Him—in the secret place where you are safe, protected, and secure—the more you'll find your heart at rest instead of filled with worry and fears.
In this fallen world, the enemy attacks relationships, and unhealthy relations can create unhealthy soul ties–an unholy dependence and connection to a person that leads to bondage. Yet, we were each created with a deep capacity and need for a holy connection, reflecting God's design and desire for us to be in communion with Him and community with others–healthy and holy soul ties.
Imagine yourself as a surfer standing on the shore. The ocean is vast, powerful, and full of movement. Though you can see the waves coming, you are powerless to control them. All you can do is prepare, watch, and be ready when they arrive. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is like a wave on the ocean. Despite not being able to control Him, you can position yourself, watch in faith, and be ready to move when He moves. You can trust that He will guide you and carry you forward. Just as a surfer learns to read the waves, you can learn to discern His leading.
Have you ever wanted to go to a secluded place and scream at the top of your lungs, "God, why are You taking so long?" I have. Everything about my life has seemed too slow. My last name even means "gradual." Some people might look at my life and say, "You are blessed and successful." But I waited a long time to see that fruit. Nothing came quickly. My first job lasted eight difficult years, and the pay was horrible. Then, at age 31, the ministry I worked for imploded. After that, I went through lengthy seasons of dryness. I often wanted to quit.
You may be walking through a "dry place" in your life, perhaps having a difficult time… a time when it seems that all your opportunities have dried up. It appears that your financial needs are not being met, and your future looks bleak. You may even feel like your prayers are not being heard. Circumstances rise up against you and you don't see a way out. Such were the circumstances in Samaria in 2 Kings 6:24-30: The entire city was in severe famine being surrounded by the armies of the king of Syria who was determined to destroy them. The enemy wanted to take their city and possessions. They could not leave the city to trade or get food from the fields or goods.
"And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant." Kingdom wealth isn't about chasing riches. It's about empowerment—the strength to fulfill your assignment, fund your calling, overflow in generosity, and make a transformational impact on the world. The moment we reduce wealth to a selfish pursuit; we forfeit its power. But when we align with God's intention, we discover that wealth is a mandate—an assignment to build, influence, and advance the Kingdom of God.
"…No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalms 84:11 God's Word gives us a divine blueprint for fulfilling the vision He has placed within us. Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come…" In other words, you get what you see. Vision is the ability to see a day you haven't yet walked into. It's catching a glimpse of the future God has prepared for you and believing it will happen before you ever step foot in it.
"I'm so frustrated! That just aggravates me!" How often have you said or thought those words? I know I've felt this way many times. But I've learned that we can come to a point in our lives where we don't experience being aggravated and frustrated every day. In fact, aggravated and frustrated is not the condition God wants us to live in. Let me show you what I mean.
