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2008
Allow me to tell you what joy is
not! Joy is not flimsy or flowery ... joy is not weak
nor is it insipid. Joy is not defined by the words
written on some greeting card nor does it smack of
religious gimmicks. Joy is not blowing in the wind
nor is it that illusive butterfly that never seems
to know where to land. Joy is not found in the colors
of the rainbow or in the latest self-help guru.
Joy IS, however, strong and unbending in the face
of disappointment and emotional upheaval. The joy
of the Lord defies every circumstance that life could
possibly bring your way. Joy is the defining characteristic
of a believer - it is the family trait that has been
passed down from generation to generation
James actually tells us to consider our trials as
pure joy because of the work that each trial will
do in our life. When a test or a trial comes into
our life, we are to welcome it as a joyful friend!
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that
because of the joy that was set before Him, Jesus
was able to endure the cross even though He despised
the shame. What was the joy that was set before Jesus?
You are His joy! Jesus loved you so much that He was
able to endure the atrocities of Calvary - your face
was in front of Him as He walked up that hill.
Joy is a rare commodity in our world today - but
next time that you are tempted to give in to depression
or to an emotional earthquake - remember that Jesus
chose joy as the cross loomed ferociously in front
of Him. I want to be just like Jesus and so I am determined
to choose His joy as I walk through trials, temptation
and heartache! He is my joy!
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Our Vision
