Brave Blogs | Aligned with the Symphony of His Joy by Loretta Muñoz Edwards

 

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Brave Alignment can often be conflicting in today’s Western world. Alignment requires an affinity for obedience to God. This alignment does not come naturally for humans due to our evil, sinful nature. In today’s civilization, you have the need to chase the ambitions of this temporary life, just empty satisfactions over and over again. Oftentimes, missing the chair or the meal prepared by our own savior. Perhaps people fill up their agendas because they don’t feel brave enough to align with God. Avoidance is a coping mechanism used by individuals who lack bravery. 

Perhaps you think that you don’t have what it takes to align with God. Perhaps in your mind, you think it’s easier to satisfy a boss or teacher than to satisfy God. 

As a clinician in training, let me cut to the chase for you. Let’s do a little bit of therapy...

Alignment begins when you find joy in following Jesus. When you act on the word of God, the joy of the Lord is your strength. And you’re probably wondering, “…well, Loretta, where do I find such joy when I’m in the trenches of life right now?”

Reflect

1. Identify the Problem: What are your trenches? Get it off your chest (write it down)

2. What doubts do you have about aligning with God's purpose and will? Any negative thoughts or feelings?

3. What would aligning with God look like for you? ( Lifestyle, habits, friends, self-care, prayer, fellowship, etc.) 

Stop here, doesn’t it look so beautiful! You imagined what your life would look like if you aligned with God's will. Now use that as the fuel for bravery to spark a little joy in you! 

But how do I even get started? Well, it’s as simple as bringing God with you, even in the mundane things. Think about His word, prayer, devotion to God, serving at church, and surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable for remaining aligned. You will find joy even when the birds chirp. All of it is art of his creation; you just need to add yourself to his wonderful work. 

Scripture Reading

Psalms‬ ‭89‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Today’s Key Verse: ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, And in Your favor our horn is exalted.”

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I come humbly at your majestic presence, thanking you because you suffered my shame on the cross so that I can live in complete alignment with you. Your grace gave me another chance to do it again, but this time around with you right beside me. I don’t know what the rest of my story is, but I do know that I want my desires, emotions, and my whole being to align with you. I’ve had enough of doing things my way; it’s led me to cycles of disappointment and emptiness that I wish to escape. Help me walk every day in your perfect will for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Peace and Blessings,

Loretta Muñoz Edwards 

Brave Hearted Blogger