Joy

                                                          JOY UNSPEAKABLE
 
Many years ago I was teaching a Sunday school class and the topic was JOY.  I learned something as I was preparing for that class. There is only one way to spell JOY:
                                                           J=Jesus first, 
                                                           O=Others second
                                                           Y=yourself last
 
I look at the world today and I see no joy.  I see no “ joy unspeakable“ that the Bible refers to in
 (1 Peter 1:8)………., you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
 
It seems that our country has lost its joy.  I am not only speaking of unbelievers but take a look at our churches.   So many of God's people look sad and defeated, because they have lost the joy of the Lord. Many Christians seem just as lonely, blue and fearful as the unbeliever. It has become a disgraceful testimony to the world, and it is high time every Christian asked himself: 

• How am I serving the Lord?
• Am I serving Him only through fear or obligation?
• Is my service half–hearted?
• Have I taken Him for granted?
• Do I have that unspeakable joy or has my joy died?
• Am I truly excited and full of joy because I know Him?
• Is my testimony to the lost saying that Christ can fill your heart with the highest degree of joy or have I become another depressed, complaining, worried Christian?
• Is there enough joy in my soul to overflow in my actions and my conversation?.

 
Joy is supposed to be the secret of the Christian life and it appears to be totally absent in this day and age.  Church is the one place where life’s burdens should be lighter; where faces and attitudes should reflect a passion, zeal and gusto. People should be asking us why do you have joy in an evil and hateful world?
 
The most joyful people I have ever known have learned to enjoy their lives, their work, their families, and most of all - their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Such people who serve the Lord have no trouble convincing people around them that Christianity is real and that Christ can transform a life.
 
I remember many years ago visiting a woman in the hospital who was in critical condition.  Her illness had totally crippled her physically. I went to pray with her and spend some time to encourage her and do you know what?  She uplifted me!  Her attitude of joy was so contagious that our visit together, which was her last, was joyful!  Joy is the indicator that announces that the King of kings is in residence in our lives.
 
Yes, we all have bad days, and I am not so naïve to think that we will always be living on the mountain top. But neither am I so spiritually ignorant that I am not aware that Christ has provided for us in times of those valley experiences- to go through them with us.
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You rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory is the intended state of every believer if our faith is anchored firmly in Christ. It can be yours, too. So Choose Wisely!