Before I received the saving Grace of Jesus Christ i would wear a sad face whenever smthing was going wrong but now its different because i know that He is there for me. I can afford a good smile and good look even when the circumstances suggest otherwise because His Love holds me together and I can count on Him even when i have wronged Him.
Joy In The Lord
Jesus said to them, "Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can't fast.
This was our Lord's answer to those who thought His religion was too bright and optimistic - that it didn't have enough days for fasting in it. They thought that religion was only genuine when it made people sad, and that its quality was just in proportion to its gloom. But Christ's reply showed that mournful faces are no essential indicators of a reverent and contrite heart. Should His disciples be mournful and sad when He was with men, filling their lives with the gladness of His presence? Should Christians claim to be heavy-hearted, looking as though life is not worth living, when in fact they are really filled with joy, and when there is no excuse for sorrow? Why should anyone who has been saved by the Lord Jesus and who is rejoicing in the fact they have eternal life, go about in sackcloth and ashes? Is there any godliness in a sad face? Does God love to see his children looking miserable? Is human joy displeasing to our Father?
All these questions are answered here in our Lord's words. He does not wish His disciples to go mourning and fasting when they have no excuse for it. His words are a defense of Christian joyfulness. Christ wants His friends to be happy. There is a complete contradiction in a sad and downcast Christian life. By its very nature true religion is joy-filled! Our sins are forgiven. We are adopted into God's family. We are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. The covenant of love arches its shelter over us continually. All things in this world work together for our good, and then glory waits for us beyond death's gate. With all this to look forward to, why should we be mournful and sad?
While we enjoy the smile of Christ, the consciousness of his love, the assurance of his forgiveness, and the hope of heaven and eternal life, what should make us sad? We should have radiant faces.
Today... Take a good look in the mirror... do you reflect the joy of Christ or are you a beacon of misery to the world?
July 1, 2011 - 12:59pm
#3
June 28, 2012 - 8:20am
#4
This was perfect timing when I read this. A friend of mine and I were just discussing yesterday what makes people happy. This friend shared with me that she was not happy. She has health issues and is disabled because of the health issues. She is alone and each day is sometimes a struggle to just even get through the day. Unfortunately she is looking at the mountain continually instead of looking at what the Lord can do on her behalf. I shared with her that she needed to renew her mind.
The health issues she has does not confine her to bed. She can drive and walk and do what others do. But because of medications she takes for her infirmities, she can not work. God has blessed her with a gift of creation in that she is a very good artist. She creates pictures and tries to sell them. Quite talented. God has blessed the work of her hands. But still she feels tired from lifes circumstances and health issues.
Many times I have complained about my life and things going on. When someone asks me if I am happy I tell them the Joy of the Lord is my strength. When I think about all that the Lord has done for me and how He has never left me or forsaken me, then how can I be unhappy? I am truly blessed no matter what my circumstances are. I am so thankful that I serve such a loving God.
I will share this with my friend and I pray that she will receive it and it will bless her.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saver Jesus Christ,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspiring explanation to the Joy of the Lord.
I cried to the Lord the previous night, not claiming answers to the sadness that is within me, but to continue to encourage me.
And today i received this e-mail regarding happiness. this e-mail really touched my life, and help me see pasted the sadness and realize that the Lords Happiness is greater than any other happiness in the world.
I will reflect the following in my life:
While we enjoy the smile of Christ, the consciousness of his love, the assurance of his forgiveness, and the hope of heaven and eternal life, what should make us sad? We should have radiant faces.