The Word Illustrated #70
© Pamyla Floyd
3/18/2011
Keep your joy
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving – Psalms 69:30
Websters defines joy as the emotion evoked by well being, success or good fortune, or
by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
The definition of rejoice is to experience great happiness. It's easy to rejoice, sing praises and lift up the name of Jesus when things are going well. If we get up and the sun is shining, birds are singing, all is well, and we are good. But, what if we are awakened by thunder breaking overhead with dark doom filled clouds and monsoon rains? Can we still rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for who He is and for all He's done?
James 1:6 describes one who wavers like a wave in the sea driven and tossed to and fro. We are to be steadfast and unmovable in our faith. Whether the day is clear or cloudy, the report good or not so good; we are to remain in faith and continue to trust God. Thus, keeping our joy.
Growing in Christ means that yes, we may have to face some tough times, or wait for a promise that tarries long. We can't afford to be fair weather Christians who are always crying, complaining and speaking doubt and unbelief. This is not someone walking in faith. Abraham was told that he would be the father of MANY nations. The bible says that he being not weak in faith, considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb!
Now that's faith. Can you imagine the joy of a word spoken? He held onto the promise for 25 years. Many us get tried of waiting on God and give up. We lose our joy and allow satan to keep taking us in the same circle year after year. My grand mama used to tell me, “It's always darkest before the dawn”. My advice to you is to keep moving forward, stay joyful, stay in faith and keep trusting the Lord. If He has made you a promise, rest assured that if He said it, He will perform it! He holds His word above His name!
God bless,
Pamyla
If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com
Reference Scriptures:
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice – Philippians 4:4
Rejoice evermore – I Thessalonians 5:16
Note: The illustration is of a stork rejoicing and the dawn of a new Spring day
