The shepherds found Jesus, rejoiced and shared (Luke 2). And then? Back to their daytime jobs.
For weeks afterwards, the shepherds must have laughed, cried, pondered and praised Yahweh. How amazing that Yahweh chose them (stinky shepherds) to announce the biggest news story every given? At some point though, the newness probably wore off. Did their hearts remain joyful - as a lasting change? After all, it's hard to wait for a child to become King.
Can you relate? We've found Jesus, rejoiced, shared, and have gone back to our everyday lives. Now what?
Discontentment in the waiting is much easier than being grateful for what we've learned. Lasting joyfulness? Isn't that crazy talk? Wishful thinking? What does JOY even look like in every day living?
I've seen - and read of - too many other lives changed by Abba to stop believing that there is hope that Jesus' joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete!
Abba God, thank You that we don’t have to "fake it until we make it." You invite us in to see Jesus, just as You invited the shepherds in. They saw Jesus, rejoiced, shared the news and then went home… May the same be said of our lives as we focus on Jesus and His precious gift of dwelling with us.
For weeks afterwards, the shepherds must have laughed, cried, pondered and praised Yahweh. How amazing that Yahweh chose them (stinky shepherds) to announce the biggest news story every given? At some point though, the newness probably wore off. Did their hearts remain joyful - as a lasting change? After all, it's hard to wait for a child to become King.
Can you relate? We've found Jesus, rejoiced, shared, and have gone back to our everyday lives. Now what?
Discontentment in the waiting is much easier than being grateful for what we've learned. Lasting joyfulness? Isn't that crazy talk? Wishful thinking? What does JOY even look like in every day living?
When we grieve?
When we are scared?When we hurt?When we face a long, hard road ahead?
If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit...
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that
my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
- from John 15: 5-10, NIV
Joy comes when we practice abiding in Jesus.
When we practice trusting and loving God, we take steps closer to joy.
We remain. HE teaches us abundant life. We seek Him. He gladly draws near to us.
(I'm not making this up! How amazing is our Abba?)
We choose - in this moment - to trust Him and HE faithfully teaches us joy. I've seen - and read of - too many other lives changed by Abba to stop believing that there is hope that Jesus' joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete!
Abba God, thank You that we don’t have to "fake it until we make it." You invite us in to see Jesus, just as You invited the shepherds in. They saw Jesus, rejoiced, shared the news and then went home… May the same be said of our lives as we focus on Jesus and His precious gift of dwelling with us.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Don’t forget His benefits!Help us see Jesus anew, practice trusting and adoring Him. Let Him become our deepest pleasure and constant focus. Shine into the hearts of those facing darkness, confusion, and/or hurt this season. Open doors for the Good News to be shared. Spark joy and renew hope. In Jesus' name.
Be still, oh my soul, and KNOW that God is God.
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