Worries, cares, moments and wares, a shovel full of happiness and extra cash.  I look in to your face and I see that your eyes are dim and your attitude adjusted, measured, cautious and careful.  I see the great victories the Lord has given you, in work, relations, goods and worship.  I see the backpack you used to carry sitting emptied by the door, you having lain down of the burden the accumulated bricks, given unto Christ.  I see these children, who are an obvious challenge, massaging your perspective, some days up but most times concerned.  What I have never seen from you is the jubilation consistent with knowing and resting in Christ.

Shouldn’t we have it, at least briefly?  I mean didn’t Christ say that was one of the reasons that he came, was that we might have joy.  Let’s take a step backward.  Do you know what joy is, have you experienced its unique influence upon your heart?  Have you had the awe filled moments realizing you are firmly in God’s Palm?  Have you forgotten the raging battle having exchanged a spirit filled smile with the Lord?  Have you captured the elusive contentment of a man just passing through this world his way home?  Are you driven by the mirthful giggles of children or the dour desires and fears of old men?  In what does your hope reside?

Are you fearing the coming anti Christ or scanning the heaven’s for imminent return?  Are you planting the fat Gospel seeds of eternal rest or coveting scraps of last years’ harvest having lost this year in fearfulness?  How sweet is that Living Water as it trickles down your throat?  Does it refresh, fulfill, renew?  Oh that you were touched by his joy, daily.  That man I knew armored with the hope beyond the foolishness of this world, with instant capacity to seed encouragement with the brethren.  Do not let thy light get weak, for you shine as a lampstand of the seven Spirits of God.  Shine that light into the dark places that the foul beasts and servants of the enemy might scatter at fearful coming of Almighty God.

We are iron not tin.  We may be refined to take and hold an edge, a double edge, sharp enough for the delicate work of God.  Let us give glory to God but hold true to the memories of our gifted victories through Christ the King.  Let us overcome through love, testimony and courage, a courage that comes only through knowledge of a steadfast king.  He has not changed, so if our light be dim them we must look to our own hearts for transformation.  Be quickened by the Spirit of God and show this world His Love reflected in your face, actions and words.  Know Joy for it dispels disaster, deception and gloom.  Be filled with the awesome clarity of purpose that can only come from the joy of being used to fulfill the plans of God.