Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful.
~ Philippians 4:4 (NIrV)
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It's amazing that, for believers in Christ, the greatest thing we own -- that is, our security in Jesus -- is overshadowed by earthly concerns. They really don't compare; they're not even on the same plain. And yet, we give them such weight in our lives as to swallow up the joy of belonging to Jesus.
Hmm...on the scales, what has more weight in our lives -- the earthly concerns, or the spiritual riches we have in Jesus? It would be great if we could say the latter, but the truth is that we often give so much emphasis in our hearts and minds to earthly concerns, getting weighed down like a lead balloon, that we forget our spiritual foundation -- the simple, yet amazing, reality of belonging to Jesus. That should ALWAYS be grounds for joy -- regardless of how difficult and trying life can be. No matter what is going on in your life, you can be joyful because you belong to Christ.
Consider the dismal alternative -- life without Jesus -- and you can't help but be glad and thankful! Those who don't know Jesus can't comprehend the transformation from death to life and the filling of their spirits with the Spirit of God. But those who have given over their will to the will of God have been transformed and changed -- new spiritual DNA! What was dead is alive, what was old is new, what was hopeless is full of hope! Be glad and joyful if you belong to the Lord -- you are rich, even if you're penniless!
For Christ followers, our joy comes from a well in the fourth dimension. We shouldn't try to depend on the well of earthly things or pursuits or circumstances to water our spirits. No matter what happens to us in this life, we can know deep joy from the deep spiritual well of having an eternal relationship with Jesus.
When all else fails, He remains -- that is grounds for great joy!
Love,
Joelene
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