Colossians 1:11-12
“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.”
I’ve found there is a sense of dread given by the Spirit when I head in a direction out of his will. It is not fear. Perhaps it could be described as a lack of joy. Joy is the settled peace of knowing I am in God’s place in his time. If we lack joy in a task and face a thing with gritted teeth we should ask again for God’s direction, lest our efforts come to nothing. Joy is not a warm fuzzy. It is the peace of certainty. God customizes our yoke. It is lighter than air, a bright and beautiful thing. He makes us strong to pull the weight of his will. He rewards us with thanksgiving and joy. Dread has no part in any of this.
Lord, keep me tuned to this kind of dread. Help me grow in discerning the difference between it and the dread evil casts. I long to be ever more certain of you until the gates of Hell will not stand against me.