WORTH WHILE
Ever said to someone, "You are such a joy!" or "You are such a joy to be around."? When Christmas time rolls around the song Joy To The World can be heard in many places. Although this a great song to promote joy, peace and happiness for the season, the lyrics portray a future time when this will be fulfilled with the rulership of Christ over the entire Earth. Until then all of us believers and non-believers must daily search and find joy to keep life worth while.
The writer of Hebrews stated about Jesus' life outlook - "For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Notice in counting the cost of enduring the cross, the joy, His joy on the other side was figured into the worth of the sacrifice.
The Lord asks Christians to behave the same way through James saying, "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." (James 1:2-3) Believers do not need to rejoice at the issue, just acknowledge the problem is going to develop you further into who you should be in Christ. I realize many times we don't stop and think this way, but we should begin training our minds, spirits and attitudes in this regard.
We do have an Ace up our sleeve, our Ace is the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. Jesus has paid for all our mistakes, lived the perfect life and is ready to counsel us at any moment. He is only a heartbeat away. And His counsel is only a prayer breathed in view of a short term issue or long term concern.
Now-a-days we desperately need joy. In this world of joy thieves, I smile with the smile of a Cheshire cat grin because of who my Joy is - The Holy Spirit - and all the joy He is faithful in providing me. His joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), His Joy makes me full (John 15:11-12), His Joy keeps my life - Worth While.
The writer of Hebrews stated about Jesus' life outlook - "For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Notice in counting the cost of enduring the cross, the joy, His joy on the other side was figured into the worth of the sacrifice.
The Lord asks Christians to behave the same way through James saying, "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." (James 1:2-3) Believers do not need to rejoice at the issue, just acknowledge the problem is going to develop you further into who you should be in Christ. I realize many times we don't stop and think this way, but we should begin training our minds, spirits and attitudes in this regard.
We do have an Ace up our sleeve, our Ace is the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. Jesus has paid for all our mistakes, lived the perfect life and is ready to counsel us at any moment. He is only a heartbeat away. And His counsel is only a prayer breathed in view of a short term issue or long term concern.
Now-a-days we desperately need joy. In this world of joy thieves, I smile with the smile of a Cheshire cat grin because of who my Joy is - The Holy Spirit - and all the joy He is faithful in providing me. His joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), His Joy makes me full (John 15:11-12), His Joy keeps my life - Worth While.
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