True Joy!

Everyone should have joy in their lives. The problem is, most of us are taught that "things" can bring it. Material things, sensory things, etc. However to find the deepest joy, we must go to the source of all good things. Only God knows how He made us and how to supply all of our deepest needs. That includes those that we do not even know about or fully understand.

We all know people who seem to have every possible benefit. Yet many people with such advantages are miserable, depressed and perhaps even suicidal. Why? Well, only Yah really knows the heart of His creation but much can depend on a person's expectations. We all misjudge many times in life. Things are seldom as wonderful as we have dreamed. In fact we may have overly inflated and unrealistic ideals for what we believe we should be or have. Two families have about the same income and monthly expenses. However one household can be struggling and miserable while the other, sailing along happily. Could it be that the family who is content with what they have is spending less reaching out for entertainment and other pleasures? Maybe the struggling family feels they must maintain a certain lifestyle in order to be content?

Unfortunately buying things has become a form of recreation for many people today. When funds are low and this is no longer an option, little is done to replace this activity. Feeling deprived, we may loose track of all the things we already have and don't use. What can maximize our satisfaction in what we already have? Think of sharing! If you already have a guitar, why not go an play it for someone who can not? If you already have a barbecue grill, why not invite someone over for a meal? The same thing for the many other luxuries and amusements we often take for granted. Someone else who does not have these things would be thrilled to share them! Yeshua set the example as a giver as opposed to a taker:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10

The abundant life Jesus is talking about here is a joyous relationship with his God and his Father who is also ours. We don't receive that until we start opening our hearts to giving. So the key to a joyful life is not in how much we can get but what we can share, such as the Kingdom message of the Messiah. Soon there will be no more horrible acts in nature, no more wicked acts of man. Greed and wars will be a thing of the past. Everyone will have the knowledge of Yahweh in their hearts which will be overflowing with happiness in sharing and blessing others.

PRAYER: Merciful Father in Heaven, please forgive me for seeking after material things and pleasures of life before You. Help me to see that only Your presence can bring me joy and to readily share what You have given me with others. In Yeshua's way, Amen.