Beyond The Moment!

For some JOY is seen as possessing lots of things or having “fun” doing whatever it is that they want to do. However, when JOY is merely centered in that which is temporary, the JOY lasts for only a moment and must again be fed by some other pursuit. There are some things in which people find JOY for a moment that are just plain wrong! It therefore seems to me that real LASTING JOY is not as much a goal achieved as it is a blessing received.

The statement has been made that “Joy is the by-product of obedience to God.”

There are some things which in and of themselves might not appear JOYFUL, but can nevertheless bring LASTING JOY. Both the lives of Jesus and Paul reveal this truth.

Consider Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s plan.
“(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.” ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Paul also found it in surrender to service to the glory of God.
“I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. IN ALL OUR AFFLICTION, I AM OVERFLOWING WITH JOY.” ( 2 Corinthians 7:4 ESV)

To the world it may appear strange to associate suffering with JOY. We should, however, bear in mind that though the world might think joy and fun are synonymous, they are not the same. Certainly Jesus did not find enduring the cross to be fun. Neither would Paul have viewed as fun his varied afflictions and trials. Nevertheless, there was great JOY in living to the glory and praise of God!

Though some of life’s trials may in reality be extremely tough, to know the relationship is right with God, that the life being lived is pleasing to Him because it is being carried out in accordance with His Will, and to trust God in relation to the even greater things that are to come; that is all cause for the OVERFLOWING OF JOY. May we never lose sight of the true source of LASTING JOY; a JOY from God that provides great strength for life. ( Nehemiah 8:10). By living the life God has given us for Him and His purposes, we will find the blessing of a JOY that truly knows no bounds!

Have a great day JOYFULLY LIVING LIFE FOR GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy