“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” – John 15:10-11…Today’s blog entry deals with Joy.
As born again Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for. We have a relationship with Jesus Christ; we have received the gift of salvation. Regardless of what challenges we face in life, we should always remember how fortunate we are. If negative thoughts come to our mind, we should counter those negative thoughts with the Word of God. One thing that I’ve learned is that Joy isn’t based on temporary circumstances. Joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and understanding that we can cast our cares upon Him (See 1 Peter 5:7), regardless of how big the challenges we face may appear to be (God is much bigger than any challenge we face).
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5
It’s important that we avoid complaining when things don’t go the way that we want them to. If you receive some bad news, don’t allow yourself to fall into a depression. Don’t turn to drugs, alcohol, etc…turn to Jesus! Remember that He has carried our sorrows. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel pain and sorrow. So if you’re dealing with a difficult situation, spend time in prayer, and make sure that you also spend time in the Word (Reading the Bible and prayer should be a normal part of the Christian life, not just something we do when facing difficult situations). As it says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
As we focus on how great God is, it helps to put the other things we’re dealing with in perspective. When we focus on how great God is, we can have Joy even in the midst of life’s challenges. Reflect on all the great things God has done in your life. Think positive thoughts (see Philippians 4:8). Keep Christ first in your life, and share the Gospel with others. Be determined to keep growing in your walk with Christ, and complete the assignments He has given you.
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” – Psalm 5:11
As born again Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for. We have a relationship with Jesus Christ; we have received the gift of salvation. Regardless of what challenges we face in life, we should always remember how fortunate we are. If negative thoughts come to our mind, we should counter those negative thoughts with the Word of God. One thing that I’ve learned is that Joy isn’t based on temporary circumstances. Joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and understanding that we can cast our cares upon Him (See 1 Peter 5:7), regardless of how big the challenges we face may appear to be (God is much bigger than any challenge we face).
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5
It’s important that we avoid complaining when things don’t go the way that we want them to. If you receive some bad news, don’t allow yourself to fall into a depression. Don’t turn to drugs, alcohol, etc…turn to Jesus! Remember that He has carried our sorrows. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel pain and sorrow. So if you’re dealing with a difficult situation, spend time in prayer, and make sure that you also spend time in the Word (Reading the Bible and prayer should be a normal part of the Christian life, not just something we do when facing difficult situations). As it says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
As we focus on how great God is, it helps to put the other things we’re dealing with in perspective. When we focus on how great God is, we can have Joy even in the midst of life’s challenges. Reflect on all the great things God has done in your life. Think positive thoughts (see Philippians 4:8). Keep Christ first in your life, and share the Gospel with others. Be determined to keep growing in your walk with Christ, and complete the assignments He has given you.
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” – Psalm 5:11