joy and peace

I realized that I am getting faster at recognizing the presence and absence of joy and peace in my life...hallmarks of the Kingdom (Rom 14:17). When I notice these gifts are present, I have found myself excited that the Kingdom of God is tangible in my life. When I notice the absence of peace or joy, I have been getting faster at asking God what the lack of peace is about and then either telling it to go or dealing with the root.

Just as I am typing this, I am realizing that this is the working out in my life of a prophetic word I shared at ANC Ottawa a few weeks ago. For me, I thought the way God got my attention to share the word was cool and new, but I didn't see the immediate application in my own life at the time. The word was essentially this:

"For those who feel they are at a crossroad - there may be two paths to choose from or multiple ways to go - the way forward is in the Holy Spirit. And I have put signs posts to mark the way: peace and joy. So look for the peace, and go that way. Look for the joy, and go to it."

Thank you Jesus for your peace and joy that you give freely to us.