The Sweet Fragrance of JOY

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Notice the sweet fragrance…is it the  smell of fresh Spring flowers?

            We’re all familiar with the saying “April showers bring May flowers”.  But did you know that this saying has been traced all the way back to 1557?  I’ve always thought it related only to the springtime rains of April bringing the beautiful flowers of May; but one interpretation is a proverb that expresses this meaning: “Good things come tomorrow from unpleasant circumstances today.”

            Immediately when I read this, my thoughts went to the passage in James that tells us to “Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1: 2-4)

            You may feel as if life has showered you with more than your share of trials.  Discouragement and even depression may be sitting heavy on your heart right now….siphoning the JOY right out of you. You may find yourself saturated with  sorrow, wilting from the “what ifs”  and blown away with the winds of worry.

           

            But remember God’s faithfulness and put your trust in Him each step of the way--through the good times and through the trials. When we do this, blossoms of Godly character will begin to bloom; traits such as perseverance, spiritual maturity, and wisdom will add a depth and beauty to our lives.  Let’s see our struggles as the showers that will bring flowers of JOY.

            Count it all JOY and pick a bouquet of God’s love along your path today!