My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials. (James 1:2) Joy! such a tiny word; but the with the power to turn even the saddest frown around! Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) In this world trials, are guaranteed. How we react to the trials is our choice. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) So, how we react to sorrow (loss) depends on whom we get our strength from! (Psalm 81:1) says: Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. What does it take to bring us to the point of JOY! Do we allow our circumstances to determine our joy?! Do we depend on others to be our source of joy? I like to think of JOY as... 1st beginning with Jesus. Without Him you will never find True lasting Joy. All things began with Him... and are created by Him.
JOY is others centered. Speaking in these terms I'd like to add a 2nd word. I'm sure most, if not all of us have said, "This is MY Pride & Joy!" Do we realize what we are saying?! Def.- Joy: pleasure; be glad. Pride literally means- conceit,self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vain glory. Pride clearly focuses on Itself. The opposite of Pride: Humility, which means- lowliness, meekness, submissiveness. ( Proverbs 16:18) states- Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. When we fall how do we get back up?! (James 4:10) says... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Humbly look to Jesus; push Pride aside and bring Joy to the "Others in your life." This should be the beginning of Lasting JOY for Yourself. Keep in mind, prIde serves Itself; JOy serves Jesus 1st, followed by Others;
before yourself! Enjoy this song from Cheri Keaggy..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptcspX7oNRM&feature=PlayList&p=C8BC43D0B8ED3F60&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=9
Serving HIM-N-JOY JKEST!!!!!
Vicki
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