In 1966, the Rolling Stones released Under my Thumb<\/u>, a song about pinning a person down. The other day, I felt held down by my circumstances. Part of it was being depleted by a nagging cough, but it was also because of tough parts of life which have long lingered. I\u2019m not one who deals with depression, but the way I felt rendered me emotionally useless. It gave me a greater appreciation for those who battle low mood on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
In my journal, I wrote the word CIRCUMSTANCES.<\/u> Then I wrote \u2018me\u2019 below the line. This is how I felt. In keeping with a long-standing practice, I poured out my heart to God. I wrote \u2018YOU\u2019 (speaking of the Lord) above CIRCUMSTANCES<\/u>. I sensed the Lord saying to me, \u201cWhen you begin to commune with Me above your circumstances, My Spirit fills your heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
I know Jesus indwells me by His Spirit, but my union with Christ doesn\u2019t always produce communion.<\/p>\n
Communion<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThe sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental of spiritual level.\u201d[1]<\/strong><\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n I read and pondered the following verses, \u201c<\/em>Christ\u2019s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that\u2019s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.\u201d (Colossians 3:1-2 TPT)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I began to thank the Lord for His great love, poured out to purchase<\/span> my salvation, eternal life which has already begun. Using a Psalm, I praised Him. The heaviness began to lift. Rather then being under my circumstances, I saw my life oriented from God\u2019s greater story; a story not about my worldly happiness, but about me being transformed into the image of Jesus. I was reminded that, in His sovereignty, even the most difficult circumstances are being used to show me the complete Joy of God\u2019s nearness.<\/p>\n In reality, my circumstances are under His thumb.<\/p>\n Challenge:<\/em> What circumstances have you pinned down? In the midst, draw near to God and allow the Joy of His presence to cheer your heart through every grief and sadness.<\/p>\n The Almighty is alive and conquers all! Praise is <\/em>lifted high to the unshakable God! Towering over all, my Savior-God is worthy to be praised!<\/em> (Psalm 18:46 TPT)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Siri<\/p>\n Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures. Subscribe below to get email notifications of new posts. We post once a week. Thank you for reading. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Novels by the Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n