Good morning! Another Friday dawns for us, another gift from the Lord. Mondays are a gift from the Lord too, but somehow I don't always feel like stating that. No matter how much you enjoy your career, no matter the rewards, work is still work. It is not always easy to go to work; as the philosopher once said, "that is why they call it work!" I don't know which philosopher said that, but it just goes to show that even philosophers could use a good kick in the rump from time to time. It just so happens that on a Friday it seems easier to let the joy of the Lord flow out. Or is that quite correct? The temporary happiness of ending the work week is not really what we should expect in the joy of the Lord. Joy is something longer lasting, something the world cannot take away from us, not even on a Monday.
Jesus, gives us his peace and his joy, but these are not things that come and go. The joy we have in Christ will stay with us even in the worst of times; you might say especially in the worst of times. That joy prevents someone from giving up in a terminal illness. Joy brightens up the dark valley as Jesus leads us to the light on the other end. Have you ever been close to despair over a situation and then remembered that God is still in charge? That is the love and joy of Jesus shining into your darkness. Have you ever heard a gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit that "this too shall pass"? Joy comes from the faith in Jesus that tells us his promises are true, and that we will one day be free of the pain and misery of this life. The faith, confident hope, knowledge of the Word, and love we know in Jesus, all combine to produce a joy that abides deep in our hearts. Temporary conditions produce sadness, joy is permanent.
Praise God for the day!
Bucky
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