I think I often forget joy. It’s a simple concept, but one that’s rather important. Seemingly, this comes as quite the surprise in that it’s the very thing that is supposed to set me apart from those who have none. So, as absurd as it may seem, I tend to forget the very thing that identifies me. This is dangerous. When we forget our identity we begin to blend in with something we’re meant to stand out against.

We forget the raw, for-no-reason, unexplainable joy; the kind that produces a smile when no one else is around; the kind that allows one to stand when everything else in their world seems so frail? In all the routine, which is as much of the maturing process as the valley or the mountain, I shouldn’t forget that God is still as amazing and awesome as He was the day He saved me.

When I’m walking to class in the morning when it’s 10 degrees and I’m just wishing I was back in bed: He still captured my heart. (Rom 6)

When I’m sitting bored at work: He still holds the helpless

When I get frustrated in traffic: He still mends the broken, sometimes even me.

When I worry because I don’t know what life will look like 12 months from now: He still commands the lightning. (Job 38)

When I can’t understand my stats teacher because he isn’t from here: I’ll also be hearing that language around the Throne one day, only it won’t be talking about statistics. (Phil 2)

When I’m driving down the road wondering why it gets dark so early: He still painted the sunset.

When I get home so late I can barely make it to my bed: He still calls the stars by name. (Is 40)

When the things in life I can do nothing about still come up from the recesses of the past to hinder me: He has still already won the battle! (Rev 21)

May we not allow God’s kindness, love, and “incredible-ness” to be diminished in our routine.

May we open our eyes and see Him all over it.

May we welcome the day, whatever it holds.

May we stand out.

May we not forget our joy.

King Jesus is still King Jesus, even when I’m just me.

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.” Romans 13:11,12

 - JV