Embracing Joy

John 10:10-11 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel which translated means, "God with us.""

    Stop. Did you read those verses above? If you did, did you just skim them? Go back and read them again and really focus on what they say. Dwell on them for a moment before you read what I have to say. God's words will always be most important. (That's why they go first.)

  We were created to have joy. It was always meant for us. Life is supposed to be abundant, but for so many of us, that seems like an impossible stretch. Just getting through the day is sometimes hard to do. So how can we embrace the joy set before us? This world is going downhill fast. There doesn't seem to be much to be happy about. That's where I must remind myself: happiness is not the same as joy. Joy is not dependent upon our circumstances. Joy is a constant in the life of a born again Christian. Joy may not be a "feeling" but it can determine how we react and feel about our lives. Sometimes, joy seems a very foreign concept to me. Here is what I do know: Joy is hope. This world is not our home. We have a glorious Savior. We are already victorious in Him. That's joy. 

     But how can that affect every moment? Remember that before Jesus came to this earth He was named "God with us-Immanuel." Now we have the Holy Spirit walking with us 24/7. Think of that. Remember that you are in His presence and find joy in it. We can relax and enjoy life when we spend our day focused on the one who made us to live life abundantly.