Joy

— For the week of March 2, 2008 —

Joy is found in the presence of God.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
— John 15:11

A gifted public speaker was asked to recall his most difficult speaking assignment. "That is easy," he answered. "It was an address I gave to the National Conference of Undertakers. The topic they gave me was, 'How to Look Sad at a Ten Thousand Dollar Funeral.'" Now that's a tough assignment!

But here's an assignment that can top that one: "How to Teach the Early Church to be Sad." The early believers had a joy that was unspeakable! It was unquenchable, unfathomable, and "unsquelchable."

Paul wrote from prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). His joy was not dependent on his surroundings. His joy was dependent upon the Holy Spirit of God Who produces joy within.

Jesus is the joy of living;
He's the King of Life to me.
Unto Him my all I'm giving,
His forevermore to be.
I will do what He commands me;
Anywhere He leads I'll go.
Jesus is the joy of living;
He's the dearest friend I know.
— Alfred H. Ackley

Early Christians were filled with joy because Jesus gave them hope and life. Should we be any different?

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.