Joy in the Journey
My parents will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this summer--quite a landmark. If you knew all the struggles they have faced as a couple, and as individuals, you would be even more amazed that this 75-year-old husband and his 80-year-old wife have lasted the journey together. They are each weathered by the storm, yet God has held them intact. Their struggles and endurance have served as a living, breathing example of God's love and faithfulness to me, for it is the storm that proves the seaworthiness of the vessel.
In my own life, I have struggled with want: want of things, want of circumstances, want of money, etc. Do you struggle with any of these? The Bible calls these wants the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. It says, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." I John 2:16 KJV
As my brother, sister, and I rummage through the muddle of old photographs preparing for our parents' anniversary, I am struck by the fact that there is no thought of being without material things. There is no want. There is only joy in the memories--even the painful ones.
In Luke 9:3, Jesus said, “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes." NLT
The disciples had everything they needed. They had Christ. The Bible tells us, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." NLT 2 Corinthians 9:8
As we continue on the journey of our lives in Christ, may we remember that Christ is all we need for the journey. Romans 14:17 says, "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." NLT
My parents have shown me that chasing after wants is meaningless. They have reminded me that this earth is not all there is. Ecclesiastes 6:9 says, "Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind." NLT
As hard as life can be, God provides joy throughout the journey. "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine." Psalm 4:7 NLT
May you find a lieu de joie--a place of joy--in your journey, and may you have the best day you've ever had in your life.
In my own life, I have struggled with want: want of things, want of circumstances, want of money, etc. Do you struggle with any of these? The Bible calls these wants the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. It says, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." I John 2:16 KJV
As my brother, sister, and I rummage through the muddle of old photographs preparing for our parents' anniversary, I am struck by the fact that there is no thought of being without material things. There is no want. There is only joy in the memories--even the painful ones.
In Luke 9:3, Jesus said, “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes." NLT
The disciples had everything they needed. They had Christ. The Bible tells us, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." NLT 2 Corinthians 9:8
As we continue on the journey of our lives in Christ, may we remember that Christ is all we need for the journey. Romans 14:17 says, "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." NLT
My parents have shown me that chasing after wants is meaningless. They have reminded me that this earth is not all there is. Ecclesiastes 6:9 says, "Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind." NLT
As hard as life can be, God provides joy throughout the journey. "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine." Psalm 4:7 NLT
May you find a lieu de joie--a place of joy--in your journey, and may you have the best day you've ever had in your life.
Comments