Everything happens for a reason, but you don’t know what you don’t know
And you’ll never have peace if you don’t let go of tomorrow
‘Cause it ain’t even faith ’til your plan falls apart but you still choose to follow
If it doesn’t make sense right now, it will when it’s overAnd there will be joy in the morning
I’ve had this song on repeat for months now. One that continues to draw me because I wonder if it is true. And if so… then what does it look like to live it?
How do you stop wondering why? or how? or when?
What does it feel like to never be concerned about what’s coming?
Does it even matter if it makes sense, because what I believe is the God I serve is far greater and smarter and wiser than I will ever be.
I have come to terms with this. Which means I’m learning to see myself as a child of the Most High who grows and develops and learns just like my children and grandchildren. There are times children do not have the development to understand a parent’s decisions. Only growth and time will bring about the ability to see the big picture. It’s the same perspective I have when it comes to navigating the circumstances of life.
But the last phrase is the one I really question. Will there come a day when I feel happy about losing my home or loved ones? Is joy something I’ll feel in ten years when I look back at our time in ICU? Is this what we say when there are no answers and no light at the end of the tunnel?
Maybe. Or maybe I’ve gotten happiness and joy confused. Maybe the whole world is focused on a feeling (happiness) when God is more concerned with tending to my wounds in a way that grows my faith. Is it possible to have joy in the midst of a season of trouble?
A short acronym my friend shared with me has convinced me the answer is yes. For the last few weeks, every time I hear or read joy, three short words take its place.
Jesus
Over
You
It is changing my entire perspective of what joy looks and feels like, and it has nothing to do with whether I have a smile on my face or not. I’ve even been testing it when I come across this word in scripture to see if it’s true.
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but (Jesus Over You) comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 ESV
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me (Jesus Over You).”
Psalm 94:19 NIV
“For you shall go out with (Jesus Over You) and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12 NKJV
This little phrase is opening new insights as I consider that joy is much more than an emotion. More than something I should be feeling instead of what I am feeling. I can be sad or mad or glad, but that doesn’t change the fact that Jesus is over it all.
Oh friend, if you only knew the hope that wells in my soul when I consider this. Because my heart’s desire is to know God more and more. Nothing I’m feeling in the moment dictates my growth towards God.
Not anger
weariness
sorrow.
But joy
Jesus Over You
makes all the difference
in the world.
You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have (an abundance of Jesus Over You).
John 16:24… parenthesis mine
Perhaps you feel led to try it yourself. Simply say Jesus Over You when you hear the word joy and notice what happens in your heart, mind, and body. I pray it stirs hope for you too.
Want to listen to the song? Just click on the link below.
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