Rest Joyfully and Peacefully in the Shelter of the Most High

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  You never know who you may be influencing as you drink in the JOY in the Lord!

            Eyes are watching and ears are listening!   Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, a brother or sister, a teacher or friend, someone is always watching.  Your decisions, your example, your choices are important to them.  They will follow in your footsteps in many areas of their lives.  That can be rewarding OR it can be scary! 

            We may need to take a close look at ourselves under the “JOY-a-scope”.  Do you profess to be a joyful Christian? Does your life exemplify the JOY of the Lord in every circumstance? When you’re having financial problems, do you still give to the Lord…cheerfully?   Do you find joy in relationship with Jesus…even in times of difficulty and sadness?

            I know it’s impossible to always be happy!  God doesn’t expect us to never grieve or never be down-cast.  But we can count on JOY in Him because He is willing to shelter us through the storms of life. Like a father, He delights in cradling us in His arms of love and protection.  Where does that joy come from in the hard times?  From the security of our relationship with Him.

            Psalm 91:1 reminds us of why we can be secure:

 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

            Let’s be reminded that when we are resting in the shadow of the Almighty, we are being a JOYful influence on others.