DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT WEDNESDAY – IS THERE A HOLE IN OUR BUCKET? Part 3.

The test of Christian character should be that a man is a joy-bearing agent to the world. - Henry Ward Beecher.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. – Isaiah 12:2-3. TNIV

We as Christians should be the happiest people on earth, but you wouldn’t think it sometimes! Paul of PRYING 1, commented about this in Part 1…

“When I meet Christians that look like they are sucking on lemons, I know they are missing out on the best part of the Christian walk. The bubbly part that drives unbeliever’s nuts, and makes it more worthwhile to take the next step on the path, that God sets before us. Without the joy I don't think we can really know the peace.” Wow! This is so true Paul!

Today we will study how…

JOY COMES FROM BEING IN GOD'S PRESENCE!

True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find peace and contentment. As we understand the future that the Lord has for us, we will experience joy. Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God.

The well-known theologian Charles Hodge wrote about his early years at Princeton: "It was my privilege to be the pupil-assistant of Professor Joseph Henry, the illustrious scientist. When, for the first time, electric signals were sent from point to point, the earth itself being used for the return current, Professor Henry put me at one end of the circuit, while he stood directing the experiments at the other.

I can well remember the wonderful care with which he arranged them. Very often, when the testing moment came, he would raise his hand in adoring reverence and call upon me to uncover my head and worship in silence. He would say, 'Because God is here, I am about to ask Him a question.'" - Charles Hodge.

David’s heart was glad, he found the secret to joy... I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, - Psa 16:8-9.

David was glad, because he kept his eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, so that he would not lose his perspective on the presence of God. And that’s what we need to do, keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, our hearts and tongues will rejoice in Him! Hallelujah! What an awesome God we serve!

Not only does God want us to HAVE joy, but complete JOY with eternal pleasures... You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Ps 16:11.

Jesus completes the picture of joy, when He says... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11.

John R. W. Stott once admitted the truth that many of us have felt but failed to confess: "The thing I know will give me the deepest joy -- namely, to be alone and unhurried in the presence of God, aware of His presence, my heart open to worship Him -- is often the thing I least want to do." – Source Unknown.

IS OUR BUCKET LEAKING? THEN LET US SEEK THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND RECEIVE DEEP JOY!

Be encouraged!
GBYAY