Christ is present in our Joy

ME: Jesus, I have been here a long time now. The years have passed and I have suffered greatly. I have known loneliness, bitterness, pain, suffering, and many other things. Today, the sun shines brightly and I want to give you thanks. Today is a new day! Today is the day that you have made. No matter what comes may I rejoice and be glad in it.

GOD: “My child, it is good to hear you say these things. Yes, today is the day that I have made. Today go and rejoice. Today you will find joy! Walk and listen.”

Me: I start my journey wondering who I will meet today. It has been awhile since I walked these streets. The streets I used to walk every day. Soon I see an old friend once overcome with hopelessness.

Me: “My friend, today your face is joyful, may I ask why?”

Friend: “Let those who fear the Lord say “His love endures forever.” In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free!” Your words, your action, your presence with me in my suffering have shown me that I am loved. I was captive to the lies of the enemy that told me I was no good and worthless. But now I know that is not true. I am joyful. You listened to me when no one else would. You found worth in me and my ideas when everyone else laughed at me. Now there is an opportunity for me to use my business and my business skills to give back to the community. Now I can serve others. Now I know what it is to be joyful! Thank you for being with me. Please, come to my house for dinner to celebrate!”

Me:“I will come. I wish to celebrate with you. I am excited with you.”

ME: Thank you Jesus for showing that you care, I will praise you for you are good!

GOD: Keep going there is more.

Me: I continue my walk my steps lighter than before. In the distance I see a woman whose face seems familiar, but I can’t quiet place her. She comes up to me.

Friend: “Hey, how are you?”
Me: “I am doing well. How are you today?”
Friend: “Very well, praise the Lord. Would you like some coffee? I just brewed a fresh pot?”
Me: “I have a couple minutes. I can join you.”
Friend: I must share with you that my heart is filled with joy. “Though I have seen troubles many and bitter. God has restored my life again. From the depths he brought me up. (Psalms 71:20)” I grieved the death of my sister, and though I still miss her, I am happy. I have made some bad mistakes. I have hurt many people, but I know that I am forgiven. Today, I know that there is life and it I worth living. I have graduated college. I am a leader in the church. Young men and women come to me when they are confused and hurting and I am able to help them understand their lives matter. They can make a difference in the world around them. There is hope for the future. I am now a parent to children who have no parents. My family looks on me with great respect. Though I am the youngest, though I was the least, now I am the one they come too. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.”

Me: Jesus, I give you praise. Your have restored your people and placed praise on their lips. When we wait patiently for you. We receive your promises. I walk the streets of Nazareth and soon I meet my once homeless friend.


Friend: “My friend! It is so good to see you. Thank you for helping me. I must tell you what has happened to me since you helped provide food and shelter. I must thank you for sticking with me. My stomach was empty but now it is full. I have plenty of clothes, medicine, and other supplies. Now I am getting an education. Now I have hope for a future. I am going to college! I have been promised a future. I have been brought up from the grave and been given a chance at life! My heart jumps for joy. Please, join with me in celebration!”

Me: The joy on my friends faces, Jesus where did it come from? Jesus you were present in suffering, in anger, now are you present in joy?

God: Yes my child, I am with you. I am mighty to save. I take great delight in you. I quite you with my love. I rejoice over you with singing!
Yes I am with you in your suffering, your holy anger, and in your joy. I am with you that you may be with others. I am with you that you may know me. I am in you that others may know me. Go into the world, as I came into the world, and share in the lives of others. In sharing in their lives you are sharing in mine too.

All Isaiah 12
“I will praise you O Lord, although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my song; he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Give thanks to the Lord call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”