happiness vs. joy

why do people (ie preachers) warn you to be careful of what you ask from God? i think its silly and it simply scares people from asking God for something they so desperately need. for the longest time, i have only asked God to help me in little things like, help me to be safe on my way to work, help me do well on whatever....well, i've been scared to ask for Him to do what is necessary in my life.

at the wichita conference this weekend, we spent some time on joy. i learned that happiness is happenstance and joy is lasting. suddenly, it all made sense to me. sure, i could be happy about a million things that i had going on in my life, but they're all so fleeting. yay! i have chocolate! but ooh i'm so sad its gone in 30 seconds! i had happiness to a certain extent, and was afraid to make changes in fear that it would bring about unhappiness.

but the Lord gives us joy. and no matter what is going on in our lives, no matter what lessons we are having to learn or what consequences we are having to reap, we can have joyful confidence. that this is all in our Heavenly Father's perfect plan for our lives and when we get to heaven we'll not be ashamed that we squandered the life He gave us.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

how foolish am i to think that my plans are better than the Lord's? how foolish am i to think that my happiness depends on me NOT asking the Lord for what he wants from my life? i have been missing out on blessings and joy because i have been so confident in my flesh. i am so sorry in my heart of hearts for this. BUT i know that the Lord is gracious and forgiving and i have a clean slate because of His gift.

Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

i am ready. now i pray that i really am. i have to remember to think supernaturally instead of having my human fears. yes, this will bring conflicts and it will not be easy, but the Lord has a plan for this. i will be able to handle everything with His mercy. if you are reading this, please pray for me and my marriage and everything else in my life, as things are about to be turned upside down. pray that i will hold onto the joy of the Lord and that i will draw from his strength as i have none.