Joy??!!!
Hebrews 12:1-3
(1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Pastor gave the following definition of “joy” on Sunday: A deep sense of wellbeing.
Do you have joy? As a child, we used to sing a song which talked about joy and defined it as, J=Jesus first, O=Other’s second and Y=yourself least of all.
Joy must be what the writer of the hymn “It is Well (with my soul)” felt despite the seemingly unbearable loss of his wife & two daughters.
Do you have joy? Do you have a deep sense of wellbeing?
Today (and yesterday, for that matter), I do!-which is only evidence of God doing something in me, to me or through me. The natural me would have literally freaked out yesterday when Frank was figuratively stabbed in the back by a co-worker and boss. Or, as Frank put it, it felt like he had been “thrown under a bus.” Come the first of the year, Frank will be employed somewhere other than where he is working now. Is it ever a good time to be looking for another job? Well, in my human view, now isn’t a great time to be: A. told you can either commute 3 hours a day to your job, or not; and, B. you’ll be given a good reference (which means, we don’t think you’ll commute so, look for another job). And, instead of me stressing over the lack of income…for once, I was more concerned for the wellbeing of my best friend, my husband!
Don’t misunderstand me. Being joyful, having a sense of wellbeing, doesn’t mean I am careless of what is happening to Frank right now. I am deeply caring of his wellbeing. And, though I have joy, I also have a sense of problem-solving. Planning for the possibilities of less income, etc. However, I am mindful that God, Who has given us everything and blessed us with everything…will carry us through this minor hiccup.
I am thankful I have a heavenly Father Who has equipped me with the Holy Spirit. I am thankful I can see some maturity and growth in my walk with Him. I am thankful I am the person I am today, in Christ, and not who I was a year ago.
How about you? Are you further in your walk with Christ today than you were a year ago? Have you intentionally sought to walk by the Spirit?
How is your joy?
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, will you rejoice in the birth of your Lord and Savior or focus on what you did or did not get for Christmas? If you are a child of God, heir and co-heir with Jesus Christ, you already have the best possible gift! These mere trinkets of the world loose their luster when compared to the glorious grace and mercy showered upon me. And, if that weren’t enough…He, my precious King, calls me His friend.
As I’ve pondered on the death of Christ on the cross and the joy He experienced, despite being on that cross…I am overwhelmed. I am undone. And, I am joyful.
How about you?
Where is your joy?
Merry Christmas my dear ones!
I love you all.
Dogleganji!!
