"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Neh 8:10).
One of the overriding evidences that someone has a genuine relationship
with our living Savior is their consistent attitude of joy and outlook
on life. A follower of Jesus should not be a person who always looks at
life as if the glass is half empty. Instead, we should be the most
positive people on earth. We should see opportunity in the midst of
challenges.
The light that resides in you should be like the beam of a lighthouse to
a ship that is seeking direction. Our lives should have the fragrance
of Christ. People should be attracted to our lives just as the bee is
attracted to the nectar in the colorful flower.
The apostle Paul understood this when he said, "But thanks be to God,
who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us
spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to
God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who
are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the
fragrance of life" (2 Cor 2:14-16).
I must admit I've been with some believers whose attitude toward life is
more like a porcupine. It's painful to get too close to them because of
their negative and poisonous view of life that criticizes the world
around them.
No matter what circumstance you may find yourself in, the joy of the
Lord must be your strength. Paul learned this truth even in the midst of
his adversities. "I have learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil
4:12-13).
How would others describe your joy quotient? On a scale of 1 to 10,
where would they rank you? Today, make a commitment to greet every
circumstance knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength.
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