“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.”
Leon Bloy
In the past, I’ve experienced let downs when I’ve reached a goal. It takes months to train for a marathon. The commitment, sacrifice, discipline and pain during the preparation, is worth it. But after the finish line is crossed, a slight depression can take place afterward. God has taught me some truths in regards to reaching a destination versus the journey toward that objective.
Joy is unleashed during the journey, not at the attaining of a goal. He said that getting the emotional healing book published that I’ve worked on for years, isn’t when joy is released. The majority of the feel-good emotions are delivered during the journey. I’ve learned that the most fun of writing comes from my time spent with God. It’s not the leaning into the tape at the end of the race that produces joy, rather it’s the leaning into and upon God during the writing process which has provided the most joy.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” What gives me the most satisfaction, is the process or journey of getting to know God, as well as myself, resulting in transformation and becoming more like Him.
The destination is simply a point on the life continuum, not the end all in our journey. I’ve struggled with writing for thirty years, but recently it’s become a lifegiving source. I’m blown away how a “drainer,” or stressor in my life like writing, turned into one of my biggest “gainers.”
Sometimes we can be so focused on the destination that we’re robbed of the joy of the journey. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into missing what is rightfully yours. Embrace the great pleasure of the excursion, even if there’s struggle involved. We will appreciate arriving at our journey’s end more, if we experience delight during our travels.
“Life need not be easy to be joyful. Joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.”
William Van der Hoven
Relevant Reflections:
Describe a time when you felt a letdown after you reached a long-time coming goal.
How have you experience joy in the journey?