Have you
had your JOY JUICE today? It comes from the root of God’s JOY—
sweet peace and
complete faith in Him.
Hebrews
12:15 speaks of a “root” that we want to avoid!
Look at the New Living Translation: “Look after each other so that
none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root
of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
So often that “root of
bitterness” grows in our hearts before we even realize that it has sprouted! We
allow anger to be unresolved and we respond to others inappropriately! That’s
when damage is done to relationships and if we don’t ask God for His help,
we’ve got a dilemma on our hands!
Anger
produces negative energy. We need to
redirect that energy into good behavior and wise choices. Especially when we
profess to be a Christian, people are watching to see how we react in stressful
situations. That reminds me of a story
told by my friend, Mary Southerland, in one of her online devotionals.
A minister was making a wooden trellis to
support a climbing vine. As he was
pounding away, he noticed a little boy watching him. The youngster didn’t say a word so the
preacher kept on working, thinking the boy would leave—but he didn’t. Pleased at the thought that his work was
being admired, the pastor finally asked, “Trying to pick up some pointers on
gardening?” The little boy said,
“Nope. I’m just waiting to hear what a
preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”
May
we always be aware that people are watching!
God, please help us to react with JOY no matter how tough our
circumstances!
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