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Hello , But are you happy?Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2. NLT.
1. Circumstances - Part 1! Circumstances in life can bring a bucket of grief. But, it's life, and you know all about it. You've experienced many heartfelt, sorrowful occasions, no doubt. I knew a kid who played high school football. In one instant, he went from having a great time to a broken arm. As he told his story, I asked, "But were you happy?" Sure, life can have its precious moments, but those ol' blues have a way of hanging around. Unless... wait. Didn't the Lord say through James that we are to think our troubles can actually be a season for joy?
2. Circumstances - Part 2! After doing years-long research, I've concluded these three things: (1) Sometimes, bad things happen to us by our own hands. That's right, we make poor or sinful decisions, and we pay the price for them. (2) Sometimes, bad things happen to us because of the decisions or the sins of others. I hate it when that happens. (3) Sometimes, bad stuff happens. There truly are folks who've had meteors fall on their home, and others are hit by lightning; then again, storms rip apart communities. And yet... consider these a joyful time?
3. Joy!
Joy, Part A - Joy, you see, is not dependent on circumstances. Joy comes from a heart at peace with God, and so, content with its earthly lot of whatever circumstances may be. A joyful heart does not fear the presence of God. He is saved, knowing the Father loves him. He's corrected his life of sin, turning it into a life of righteousness. He is not concerned about judgment because he already knows how it will turn out. Joy is based on a loving, trusting, faithful life in Jesus.Joy, Part B - Well then, when hard circumstances befall us, we deal with it the best we can, trusting the Lord that things will turn out well,
. Don't worry about figuring things out. Understanding why the circumstances befall can't be done - trust in the Lord, not your own understanding,
. So, when an unhappy circumstance comes your way, think of it as an opportunity to mature in Christ or as something you need to work on. Does someone say a mean thing to you? Your response as a Christian is significant. Reply with kindness and a prayer? You've passed the circumstance test. Bite back in like anger? Well then, you know that's something you need to work on. You can find joy in either instance by growing into the image of Christ Jesus.
Tip: Joy is a learned trait.Prayer: Our glorious and mighty Father. You teach us so much about living. Your word is a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path. Your word is useful for our Christian way of life; it lets us know when we're on the wrong path. Your word shows us the correct way to live before You; it instructs how we should go. We are thoroughly equipped to do all You want us to do. You are our great Father, the love of our life, the joy of our heart. Bless You, Father. Bless You. In Your Son's precious name, Amen!
This message is from Garland Van Dyke at Bible Points!Matthews St. church of ChristPO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 774141915 Matthews Street, Bay City, TX 77414(979) 318-2463www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com facebook.com/matthewsstreetchurchofchristWant your own copy of our devotional in your inbox? biblepoints.org/bible-points(It's twice weekly and we don't bombard you with stuff!)
