Can't Be Taken Away!

There are many things in this life which can be taken away from us. Some of these may be easier to give up (or lose) than others. If our hope or "stock in life" is placed in those things, with what would we be left? What despair we would most likely feel! What lack of JOY we would experience! We would possibly begin asking, "What's the use of going on?" and we might then decide to just give up. However, if our hope is centered properly, we can lose some things and still have the courage to press on. In fact, even through tough times, with an understanding of what matters most, we can still be filled with JOY! God wants that for us. Not just a temporary joy, but a JOY that CAN'T BE TAKEN AWAY!

As Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for the time of His arrest and crucifixion, He told them they would experience great sorrow while the world rejoiced. However, that sorrow would soon be replaced by JOY. He even gave the analogy of a mother giving birth who soon forgets the pains of labor as she feels the JOY of her baby having come into the world. [You can read all this in John 16:19-21]

Jesus went on to encourage . . .
"(22) So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR JOY FROM YOU." ( John 16:22 ESV)

When Jesus appeared to the disciples following His resurrection, they struggled believing because of the JOY and amazement ( Luke 24:41) with which they were filled. It was as though it was all too good to be true. From there that JOY became deeply rooted into their disposition even when they faced persecution. In Acts 5 we read of the second time they were brought before the Jewish leaders and told not to preach in the Name of Jesus. Before being release the Apostles were also flogged ( Acts 5:40), but note their response to it all.

We read. . .
"(41) Then they left the presence of the council, REJOICING that they were counted WORTHY TO SUFFER DISHONOR FOR THE NAME. (42) And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." ( Acts 5:41-42 ESV)

Because they knew what counted most, there was NO ONE who could take away their JOY! NO ONE!

Satan would like us to focus on those things that will only bring temporary joy or a quick thrill. God, however, wants us to know and experience His JOY that is eternal. Regardless of what we face we can still be filled with the JOY of knowing Whose we are and that our eternal destiny rests in His hands. Therein lies the JOY that NO ONE can take from us!

Have a GREAT DAY FILLED WITH GREAT JOY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 08/23/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy