Love is in the air! For many reasons. Not long ago, I finished a major project, the video of my niece’s wedding with photos, interviews, reception and everything that made that day special for her and her new husband. I had the honor of officiating a wedding on the 1st of November for one of my youth group members at Auburn and his fiancé. Definitely a lot to celebrate and many joyous times.
This life can be tough and filled with so many struggles, disappointments, loss and hardships. But it is NOT ALL that way. This is why we need to look for the blessings, appreciate the good times, and look for those moments when we can laugh and cry happy tears. God is the God of all the good and the bad times, in pain, sorrow and joy.
That is why I have always clung to the verse from Jesus’ brother James. During intense persecution he encouraged his fellow believers when he penned the words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2)
We have been looking at the men and women of the Scriptures, their stories, lessons learned, hardships, trials, failings, strengths, wins, perseverance, and ultimately Joy in following the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:13 “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness and I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
So where does our help and joy come from? It comes from the Lord. And that is because he Loves us! In fact, if you try to look up just how many scriptures talk about God Loving us Google says there is no way of counting as there are too many and it is woven throughout all of Scripture. That’s right there is no beginning or ending. From the first word in Genesis to the last word in Revelation God’s word is love and redemption.
That’s how much he loves you and me. He can take our hurting, our pain, our shortcomings, failures and so much more and give us the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and mercy. It is through that grace that he has loved us so much to make a way for us to all be redeemed if we receive his son Jesus Christ as our personal savior. That is where our joy comes from and why we can rejoice and be glad in it.
So, if you are needing a little joy on these gloomy overcast days pull out your Bible and start reading, because God has so much love and joy in those passages, that your day will be filled with the SON!
Blessings,
Pastor Penny
For my joy-filled content, check out Penny’s blog A Cheerful Spirit is Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul and our vodcasts on joy We’ve Got Joy! and It’s Our 1 Year Anniversary! Today is Joy and Laughter for the Soul!
