3 Unexpected Emotions that come from Purpose

3 Unexpected Emotions that come from Purpose

 

While we are familiar with feelings of empowerment, peace, revelation, release and many more that accompany a deeper connection with our purpose; here are three biblical feelings that we often pay little attention to in terms of purpose.

 

 

  1. PURE JOY

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

 

It can be easy to categorize the mundane, disciplined, or difficult aspects of cultivating purpose into the less desired category, while sharing highlights of accomplishments or the brighter side of purpose. We can all too often see the daily tasks and grind that accompany purpose as things we “have” to do in order to arrive. Like eating our vegetables before getting to dessert.  But a biblical view of purpose challenges us to consider the whole, to consider it all joy, pure joy. To step into a deeper understanding of your purpose, be sure you are giving thanks and praise through the entire journey. Be grateful for the mistakes, the setbacks and the trials as they produce perseverance and maturity. While there will be many moments to celebrate, or pivotal points of clarity and reward, those are not in spite of your trials but because of them.

 

 

  1. ROOTED & ESTABLISHED

 

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

 

We often associate purpose with some type of generative property. We feel a need to create or produce a product or a change. However, your purpose and plans will thrive more as an overflow of your intentional awareness of Christ’s love for you. As your cup is filled to overflowing, the results of your purpose will land in the saucer, allowing God to draw others toward you for refreshment, but allow the source of the filling of your own cup to run dry, and your purpose may quickly dissipate. As a tree spreads its roots, allow yourself time and space to soak in the reality of God’s love. Resist the temptation to overthink and over-plan. Rather allow yourself to be rooted and established, standing tall. The fruit and shade stems from your standing more than in striving.

 

 

  1. RESTED

 

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

 

When we are harnessed to our purpose, we can often find ourselves pulling along tasks and milestones as drudgery. God’s design intended us to work from the beginning, yet the way we attach ourselves to a to-do list and push ourselves toward benchmarks, can seem far removed from the idea of work as a gift from our Creator. Working alongside Jesus offers a different type of work. Consider the difference between treading water and floating along. Both will keep your head up, but one for only as long as your ability sustains. The other allows the water to do the work, accompanied by your release to simply breathe. Our purpose will never be devoid of tasks or mental and sweat equity, yet the results will drastically vary dependent upon how you are yoked. Be intentional about checking in. Are you tied to a gentle and humble master, allowing the Holy Spirit as a co-worker to carry you along? Or, are you insistent on shouldering this idea of purpose alone, kicking and peddling your feet to stay afloat?