We Can Have Joy

A letter to the church from one of my pastors.  Joy is treasure.  Joy is being in the presence of God.  Joy cannot be taken.  Even a sliver of joy is enough to cause me to rejoice.

These words are a reminder  I want to hang on to.

Sent February 21, 2013

 Church Family - 

Can you believe that February is almost over! The days on the couch watching football have sadly passed. Work seems to pile up and the excitement of the new year has already begun to fade. Worry creeps into zeal’s abandoned dwelling.

It is precisely in these times that we, of all people, rejoice! For to follow in the steps of our Savior is to look past our current troubles and be content in the knowledge that our God is good to His children. I read this Scripture this week and wanted to share it with you.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

One thing we can draw from this passage is that there is no situation given to God’s people in which they cannot find some sliver of joy. We can now see the world in the light of Jesus. As Matt helped us see this Sunday, as the sun gives forth its own light, so also the Son of Man radiates that His people can see the fullness of God’s character. And He shines with a grand purpose. For the more of Christ we see, the more like Him we become. Even in the darkest hour, or the dullest moment, we can see Christ and be confident in God’s work in our lives. For this reason we have joy, always.

And so I’ll say it again, rejoice in our Lord. When it’s exciting, rejoice! When it’s dull, rejoice! When it’s busy, rejoice! Look at the face of Christ and be strengthened. When anxiety seems the only sensible response, instead trust in the kindness of God. He has you in His hold. Let His truth sink in and bring you peace. He is for you, He is for us. Let us continue to worship our God with full hearts. 

Joyfully,
Kevin