I have a few friends in life that I would not trade for any THING. You know who you are. They have laughed and cried with me through many times in life. They have thrilled at what thrills me and sorrowed right along with me in times of distress and defeat. I hope they would say the same about my love for them.
But even closer than these friends are my friends that are not tangible; they never leave my side and actually abide in my heart and mind. Their names are Hope and Joy. When I am at the end of my rope, they kick in and find a way to help me through. If you see one you will see the other. They are best friends; kissin' cousins. Last night
someone in my house told me as we were saying good night, "I don't feel any joy in my life right now." Right away my motherly instincts rose up and began to try and solve that dilemna. I said that we would begin to study where Joy comes from. But I know already that Joy leaves when Hope leaves; they are inseparable. So, we need to invite Hope to come back. Joy will be toddling right behind, no doubt. Jesus knew this. He had hope that all of his suffering was going to birth something INCREDIBLE. We believers are testimonies that his hope was founded in truth. His sacrifice paid off in me, I know that. I am so thankful to the Lord for being real to me. I met Jesus at age seven. I had quite a talk with Him, told Him I wanted to clean my heart of my sins. Then I was baptized in Jesus' name in Lake Galilee. Later on, I was baptized with His Spirit and spoke with tongues.
He has lived in me ever since. I KNOW JESUS. Therefore, I am a part of the JOY that Jesus endured the cross for. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus knew that the torture and shame that he was enduring would pay off. He had HOPE and JOY right there near Him on the cross. All of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents. Luke 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." So, since JOY is in heaven, HOPE must be there too. Invite your friend HOPE back and JOY will walk in also. HOPE must be founded in things that will not let you down. People may let us down, careers, possessions, relationships, our government, all these things and more may let us down, but Jesus will never let you down. Soak up His presence, speak in His language, dance in His freedom, sing those words of praise. JOY AND HOPE will be singing and dancing right along with you. They are such good friends to have. I have let HOPE go lately so, JOY left too. I am TODAY inviting them back in my life.
