Erwin McManus told the story about a plane journey he was on where there were a group of guys in economy and one of their friends was in first class. The plane had to return to the airport because of faulty brakes and they were transferred to a smaller plane which had no first class compartment. So when they changed flights the one guy was now with all his friends and they were teasing him and giving him a hard time. This was his response ” now we are all first class”; he brought first class with him into economy. Joy is not something you wait to happen to you but something you bring with you.
I like what the message bible says about joy in Psalm 97:11 Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. What is good heart soil, according to Mark 4:20 it is those who hear the word of God and accept it, they produce fruit.
When we give God’s word first place in our lives, when we value His word and accept it as true and put it into practice. Then it becomes an indestructible, eternal seed that produces great fruit in our lives. The joy-seeds produce great joy which allows us to rejoice even in difficult times.
Ann Pimblott Art 