What’s on your mind these days?

I remember a lengthy season in my life when I was wrestling with some professional and personal issues that left me drained at the end of each day.

Over and over, I would play things through my mind. There was no resolution. I was plagued with the same thoughts day after day.

Have you ever had a season like that?

During those weeks, which stretched into months, I leaned into the Lord. I got more serious about immersing myself into his Word. I studied passages, even the entire book of Luke, in depth. I knew I had to wash myself with God’s Word.

My prayer life became more intentional and regular. I often journaled my prayers to the Lord. I poured out my heart as I sought God’s solution to my tough situation.

I can honestly say that despite the heartache, there was a sense of joy in my life. I could still face the day, laugh now and then and enjoy time with people. Despite everything pressing in on me, I had joy.

Yes, there was an underlying sense of angst. I won’t kid you. But joy was still present.

I experienced what Nehemiah 8:10 clearly states, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

So I ask again, “What’s on your mind these days?”

If joy escapes you because something is consuming your thoughts, I want to encourage you. Be intentional about your study of the Word and your attention to prayer.

If you’re on top of the world right now and joy is filling your life, praise God! I still encourage you to go deep with God in the study of his Word and enjoy rich prayer times.

You see, it doesn’t matter whether we’re up or down, joyful or not, we need the food of the Word and oneness with God.

Meditate on this verse today. Use it as a trigger for your prayer time. Even now.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).