Inundation

Good Wednesday morning! Appearances may be deceiving, but it seems that for some the Independence Day weekend has begun. At least, that is what I gather from the loud party at 0130 this morning. The little events in life often make for some good stories when future context allows. They also cause some spiffy devotional titles. Life sometimes inundates us with problems. I think one of the mission points given to all little devils at their first Hell Inc meeting is to make sure that all Christian testimony is buried under a deluge of bad news. We have this wonderful Good News, and we also have the normal good news. However, times in life come when we are inundated by problems both large and small. So much it seems, that it becomes difficult for us to remember both kinds of good news.

We meet with friends and our testimony becomes a listing of the various trials and tribulations. In John 16:33, we have one job only. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." In our Lord's words, He gives us but one duty in this verse: be of good cheer. The ESV translates the Greek as "take heart". I like that one too. In all the tribulation we face with Jesus, we are told to take heart. Ruck up that courage, seek out your Christian friends and build each other up, take up the Word and be comforted, we have a life to live and a message to give. The world will seek to overwhelm and conquer our testimony. Jesus is here to encourage our voice of joy.

Need help with that? A bit earlier in that same chapter (v. 24) Jesus says: "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." I want to have full joy, and I'm sure you wouldn't say no to it either. Let us stand in Christ and not let the world overwhelm our words of joy.

Bucky