Focused On Proper Goal!

Have we ever had an experience where words failed us? Someone either gave us something or did something for us and we were so filled with JOY all we could speak was, "I don't know what to say!" The happiness! The beaming face and smile that goes from ear to ear! The thrill! The UNSPEAKABLE JOY! For the most part, do not such experiences come to us by the hands of another rather than merely by our own accomplishments?

Some people set their focus on carving out a "happy" life and seem to find disappointment instead. Happiness in a worldly sense is a fleeting thing. Even when it is found, how long does it last? Therefore, is JOYFUL HAPPINESS a good goal in life or is it not rather the byproduct of other things? I submit that when life's goals are properly focused, we can have a sense of ABUNDANT JOY. Such was the case with Paul in spite of the challenges he faced. (note 2 Corinthians 7:4)

In Peter's first letter -- after referring to the testing of faith that came as a result of the relationship his readers had with Christ -- he went on to state. . .

"(8) Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and REJOICE WITH JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE and filled with glory (9) OBTAINING THE OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH, the SALVATION of your souls." ( 1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV)

Those merely focused on happiness for this life are destined to miss out on the GREATEST JOY that can be experienced now and forevermore! The life that has its goal centered on obtaining the salvation made possible in Christ, can have a "JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE"! That salvation we do not deserve! That salvation we cannot buy! That salvation is provided at the gracious cost of another; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! ( 1 Peter 1:18-19) And yes, being in Christ we can know ( 1 John 5:13) that it is ours!

For me? Yes! And for you! What can we say? Does "Thank You" seem inadequate? Do words escape us from being able to describe the EXUBERANT JOY that is ours in light of the salvation we have received? May our INEXPRESSIBLE JOY for this eternal blessing be expressed by the manner in which we live to glorify Christ.

Have a great day KNOWING THE JOY THAT OVERFLOWS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy