Unexpected Joy

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Expect a special serving of joy as you face the “unexpected”.

            Not one of us knows the future…which can be a really good thing in lots of ways! If we knew the future, we may not see the need to trust God.  We could simply trust in our own plans and provisions.  If we knew the future, we may become anxious about what we’re going to have to face and worry about how we can survive.  When the future is uncertain, we have many more reasons to trust God to lead the way.

            A few weeks ago Hurricane Florence caused much devastation.  Though storm trackers and weather experts predicted her path and possible effects, the truth is that no one knew exactly where she would go and how she would behave. Many people heeded the warnings and evacuated to safe places, therefore many lives were saved. It pays to be prepared in situations like this.

            How can we be prepared for the unexpected…spiritually speaking? We need to remember Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart,  that I might not sin against thee.”  Reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on God’s Word prepares us for whatever comes in the days ahead. As Christians, we must be so familiar with the Truth, that we can boldy face the future ...even if that includes sickness, loss or grief. Trusting God by knowing His promises brings a peaceful joy like no other.

            Let’s prepare our hearts for the unexpected by joyfully trusting in God’s promises.

           

Let the Joy of Jesus Be Your Anchor

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Be a willing vessel….one filled up with joy!

            How important it is to be anchored with Christ. Picture with me for a moment, what an anchor looks like. Can you visualize the shape?  Look closely and you’ll see a cross in the middle…with curved ends that I like to see as symbolic arms.

“During the early years of Christianity, Christians were under heavy persecution by the Romans. To identify their faith to other practicing Christians under the watchful eye of the ruling people, they would wear anchor jewelry or even tattoo anchors on themselves. The anchor was seen as a symbol of strength. It was, also, a popular symbol because of its close resemblance to the cross.”*

            As Christians today, we proclaim Jesus Christ as our anchor.  It was on a cross that he suffered and died for us.  He gave the supreme sacrifice…His life…in exchange for our sin debt. It was as if Jesus stretched out His arms and said, “I love you this much!”  Do you feel His loving arms embracing you…especially through the storms of life?

·         The ultimate anchor…

·         The One Who never lets go…

·         The steadfast, constant in our lives that keeps us from steering off course---

·         That is our Jesus!  

 Let the steadfast, indescribable joy of Jesus be your anchor as you boldly stand with Him.

* http://www.mynamenecklace.com/Article.aspx?p=5302

The Rope of Faith

            Have you had your Joy Juice today? When you feel as though you are at the end of your rope, hold on tightly to the joy of Jesus.

            An anchor is a source of strength and is important as a way to keep a boat from drifting. Yet….alone, an anchor is not enough! It has to be attached to a rope or chain which is connected to the boat before the anchor is of any use. What is the spiritual application here? Joy can be an anchor…but by itself, it’s not enough! Joy, alone, cannot keep us grounded.  An authentic, strong anchor of joy must be attached to the rope of faith in God.  This provides security, boldness and protection to weather the storms. 

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, we are told to: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” NIV

And in 2 Corinthians 1:24: “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.”

            The best way we can be on guard, courageous and strong is to hold tightly to our rope of faith.  This gives us strength to stand firm; and it’s how we can “rejoice always”.   

            Don’t give up because you feel as if you are at your rope’s end.  There is always hope, joy and faith available to the children of God….plenty to help us weather the storms.