Rejection, being left out, not really fitting in, is a feeling we all know to well. I don't need to describe what it looks like and feels like when you are left out, you know when it has happened to you. It's not fun and it's not right.
Remember the old Christmas song "Joy To The World", it goes on to say the Lord has come. Webster's Dictionary defines joy as, 1)a very glad feeling; happiness, delight 2)anything causing this. Thanks Webster! So if Joy is "a glad feeling, happiness and delight" and anything causing this" is joy what do you do with these words? "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad..." (Matthew 5:11-12a)
"Rudolph" moments of life make it difficult to experience JOY! So here are a few thoughts for you.
1) Joy is to be Expressed in Spite of What's Happening!
* The Bible exhorts us numerous times to have JOY in SUFFERING!
2) Joy is Known in Light of God's Choice!
* God has made specific choices and decisions and in them there is joy.
Where does Joy come from?
The Bible says every good and perfect gift comes from above. (James 1:17)
Is Joy something for a select few?
No. Joy is for all who hope and believe in God.
Is Joy given to us or is it something to be attained?
Yes!
During this Christmas season just remember this: Joy to the world the Lord has come!
1 comment:
Excellent and right on target for all of us, especially youth. Keep up the great work. We are so proud of what God is doing there through Pastor Tony, Jillynn, staff and the Station 412 ministry.
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