This is the weekly email devotional of WhoUWith? Ministries
(2003)
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"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in
my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay!"
Do you remember
that song? We use to sing it at church when I was growing up. I never really
thought much about the words back then...honestly, I thought it was dorky and
dreaded singing it!
However, as I get older and life begins to
"happen", I'm reminded of that song and the words finally have meaning. I'm
reminded when I see friends lose there spouses and yet they still have joy. I'm
reminded when I see those close to me lose their jobs and they can still smile.
I'm reminded when I see a single mom working 14 hour days and she still has
enough energy to bring some happiness into her home!
What does
God’s Word say?:
"...This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't
be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Nehemiah
8:10b
Though they have been going through much trouble
and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich
generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:2
Dear brothers and
sisters,?? whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
James 1:2
So be truly glad!?? There is wonderful
joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a
while. 1 Peter 1:6
When life "happens" it is only
natural to get down and be discouraged, but if you have a personal relationship
with Christ, life should never steal your joy! If you claim to be a follower of
Christ and yet you mope, complain and rarely smile then you are missing out on
the best part of serving Christ. His Joy!
Too many times I have allowed
my circumstances to determine my outlook and my outcome. Instead, I should be
overcoming my circumstances with a joy only Christ can give me. Who would you
rather be around in adversity? A grumpy, down in the mouth, prune? Or, a "there
is still a hope", smile on their face, ready to tackle the day, kind of person?
Choose joy today...it will make you smile! :)
Just a
thought!
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