Relying upon God's promises . . . .

 

Where is our joy?

 

How can I ever succeed

How can I ever succeed when I am challenged from every angle? Ever ask yourself this question? Whether young or old, in this world we face disappointments day after day.

King David was declared King by God yet had to wait years to see it though. Along the way his life was threatened by enemies from every camp, even his own family, yet he persevered. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2019&version=NIV)

Moses was asked to lead a people enslaved by a powerful world leader and had no real weapons but the Spirit of God. He couldn't even speak clearly. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%204:9-11&version=NKJV) 

Even the great theologian Paul, faced threats day in and day out, because of his commitment to the Lord. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2011%3A16-33&version=NIV)

Our lives may not be as eventful as these mentioned above, but our challenges are great enough. We think so anyway! So whether we are a husband and father trying our best to lead a family, a single mom struggling to make ends meet, or a young student-athlete working hard every day to reach his or her goals, God knows! He cares! 

We may seem to be coming up short day after day, but we have to trust Him . . . trust His ways . . . trust His plan. The people mentioned above suffered many failures for sure. However, ultimately they were are are rewarded by God. the Bible says that joy comes in the morning . . . after the darkest of nights. The reward is waiting . . . keep pressing! Never ever give up!

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:1-5)

How do you have to trust God today?

We can still have JOY!

 I still have joy . . . still have joy . . . after all the things I've been through . . . I STILL have joy! 

This is not simply a song. It needs to be our daily theme as believers!  Despite all the hurt, depression, despair, stress, disappointments, failures, and all other forms of evil we experience in this world . . . we can still have JOY!

How you might ask?

We must see with eternal eyes and dream with eternal dreams. We have to live with eternal goals in mind because we have eternal plans with Christ! Don't you believe it? This brings JOY! We must learn to celebrate the little things that bring us joy . . . a sunrise, gentle breezes, a soft summer rain, birds chirping in the morning, rest after a long week, and if you work with teens like we do . . . the joy of graduating seniors and the end of another school year!

So celebrate today! 

“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Why do we sing?

 It's the most wonderful time of the year....yes the song says it all! In fact, the songs say it all. Jesus is the Reason why we sing!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Silent Night....Holy Night.

Hark the herald angels sing!; Glory to the newborn King!

Come they told me . . . a newborn King to see.

Oh, Holy Night! 

Away in a manger. . . . ( (https://youtu.be/w5ftBUvToBk)

All these CHRISTmas songs point to the Savior; the One Who came and is to come. Won't we sing them loudly and proudly this Season? Won't we witness to His birth, yet also to His death and resurrection?

And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. (Isaiah 12:4)

He is the Reason why we SING!