Joy and Celebration!

By Marilyn Travis

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

I have a favorite devotional book entitled 100 Verses Every Christian Needs to Know. These two short devotionals, taken from the book, pack a powerful message. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Making His Joy Your Joy

Christ made it clear: He intends that His joy should become our joy. Yet sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of life here on earth, we can forfeit, albeit temporarily, the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living.

Jonathan Edwards, the 18^th century American clergyman, observed, “Christ is not only a remedy for your weariness and trouble, but He will give you an abundance of the contrary: joy and delight. They who come to Christ do not only come to a resting place after they have been wandering in a wilderness, but they come to a banqueting house where they may rest, and where they may feast. They may cease from their former troubles and toils and they may enter upon a course of delights and spiritual joys.”

If, today, your heart is heavy, open the door of your soul to Christ, He will give you peace and joy. And, if you already have the joy of Christ in your heart, share it freely, just as Christ freely shared His joy with you.

Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

Are you living a life of agitation, consternation, or celebration? If you’re a believer, it should most certainly be the latter. With Christ as your Savior, every day should be a time of celebration.

Oswald Chambers correctly observed, “Joy is the great note all throughout the Bible.” C.S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” But even the most dedicated Christians can, on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a priceless gift from God.

Today, celebrate the life that God has given you. Today, put a smile on your face, kind words on your lips, and a song in your heart. Be generous with your praise and free with your encouragement. Then, when you have celebrated life to the full, invite your friends to do likewise. After all, this is God’s day, and He has given us clear instructions for its use. We are commanded to rejoice and be glad. So, with no further ado, let the celebration begin!