The prospect of possessing

 

Definition of JOY (by Miriam Webster, the old school definer)

1

a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight     

 

If our measure of joy were purely determined by our current "well-being, success or good fortune"   

how joy-less our lives would sometimes be!

 

But, the "prospect of possessing" what we desire,

 regardless of our circumstance,

is the JOY which Christians are granted.

  We have a sure HOPE . .. .

 which produces true JOY!

 

 

And so.

 

If I am feeling JOY-LESS

Isn't it because I have taken my eyes off of

the prospect of possessing what I desire?

 

Being eternally in the presence of GOD

is what I desire.

HE has assured me of my prospect.

 

How could I NOT be

 

FILLED WITH JOY?!

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Joy in hope

In my Bible, at the top of the page beginning I Peter, it is noted that the key word in the book is suffering. And yet I turned to I Peter this morning to read the several uplifting verses about joy!

Why am I looking for verses about joy?

Because of suffering!

 God knows me so much better than I know myself.

In some strange way, the two go hand-in-hand. Opposite sides of the same coin.

Peter points this out with striking contrast:

In this you greatly rejoiced, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials . . . (1:6)

that the genuineness of your faith . . .though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus . . .though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible  . . .receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. (1:7-9)

Joy, then, does not spring from our current circumstances, but from our HOPE.

 

 

Keep hoping my friends. Never, never, never, never give up hope.