“I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love.” Jeremiah 31:3

This verse has brought clarity throughout my life! I was driving and listening to a “big sister in the faith” on the radio and she would close every radio segment with this verse. In the midst of challenge or blessing, His constant LOVE shatters my preconceived notions of “love”. His love is not dependent on my moods or my obedience! He loves because He IS love. (I John) He loves you completely, fully and for all time.

“You Have Filled My Heart With Greater Joy” Psalm 4:7

True joy is so much more than “happy thoughts”. “Happy thoughts” won’t sustain you in the long run. True joy is always the fruit of refinement. How powerful that our Savior (our very demonstration of love!) allowed Himself to be broken to give us an example of leaving in-not running from pain.He knew what we always need to know-pain comes before the deep peace of joy.Would we recognize “greater joy” if it came easier? Could we understand greater joy without greater pain? Probably not.The pattern was set by Jesus-cross before crown. Both valued, both transformative, both available. May we ask God for just for small happiness but for greater joy!