Joy Ubani

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Distracted by Discomfort

Have you noticed that whenever God is getting ready to pour out a blessing He puts you in such a position that feels like you're being shaken, pressed, and beaten? (Sound familiar?...ahem, Jesus...but that's a blog post for another day lol).

Right before a season of change you might have noticed that your environment shifts. You become uncomfortable, you might feel completely broken, you might feel a sense of defeat and maybe even hit rock bottom. Sometimes God positions us in the most uncomfortable way (mentally/emotionally/spiritually) in order to reposition us to realign us in His purpose).

(Wait. Let me just define position for y'all so you know).

a situation or set of circumstances, especially one that affects one's power to act

a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged.

I know I've been there many times. Well here's the thing: we have two options in this moment of discomfort.

Stay down and give up. Don't let your brokenness position you for your blessing and allow yourself to be distracted by your discomfort. OR
Rise, fight and prepare for a greater position.

(When I moved to London a few years ago, I stuck with option 1 for several months and almost missed out on all the opportunities God had waiting for me while abroad...simply because I spent so much time being miserable and in doubt).

I've chosen both options in my season of discouragement so I'll tell you this:

God's not done with you and He's waiting for you to choose option 2.

To be honest, sometimes we don't feel like rising. It's easier to stay down, stay under our comforter (in bed) and think about how uncomfortable we are. Rising is so much easier said than done. (In a next blog post I'll share 3 ways to rise from discomfort).

Don't be distracted by your discomfort! I promise you, you'll miss the blessings God has by holding on to a mentality of defeat. But when you begin to rise, amazing things start to happen. You start to find true joy, you'll love again, and you'll be awakened to pursue your passions with a fire you never had.

You may not see God working on your situation right away, but trust me, your story is already written and He's giving you an expected end. (But don't take my word for it: Jeremiah 29:11)

What I'm Wearing:
Patterned Dress: H&M

Lace Up Heels: River Island (London)

Photography by: Melissa C. Olguin

Monday, December 12, 2016

Joy Unspeakable

Over the last few weeks, I've become extremely intentional about finding joy unspeakable.
I've made out time for things like retail therapy, travelling across the country, brunch with friends, and simple girl's night (gathering with friends who make me laugh). And to be honest, I've felt happier (a short-term emotion).

I realize that joy unspeakable simply comes from spending quality time with the one who loves you the most, who gives you strength, provides for you, gives you hope, and yearns for you to cast your cares on him.

True joy is long lasting. It has no time constraints and it's a feeling you experience regardless of your circumstance.

I've been resting in God's love and practicing loving Him out loud. In spending quality time with Him, I've found that I'm consumed by joy unspeakable (in spite of any [good or bad] circumstance). The secret to finding this joy is realizing you are absolutely and truly loved, accepted, and valued by the One who created all.

Now let me be real...I did not just wake up one morning, smacked with this realization...It took lots of time and more tears. I'm still growing and still learning to find my joy completely in Him...but I always find solace in knowing that this unique level of happiness is attainable.

"When you bask in His love, you experience a wellspring of joy bubbling up in your heart. And since the world didn't give you this joy--the world can't take it away."