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Ask for Joy!
Jesus was about to go to the cross, He tried to explain to his disciples what was going to happen in a spiritual talk ,but they did not quite get it. They were not yet ready to understand and receive the Joy He had for them.
“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. John 16:16-22
After the Holy Spirit comes upon them they will undertand, they will really understand.
In the mean time Jesus wanted to let them, and us, know that we can ask Him anything. He said we can ask the Father straight on, and if we ask Him in "Jesus' name" we will receive what we ask for!
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24
Today I asked God to show me Joy, I prayed, I looked inside and realized I was smiling. I knew better than to doubt that I had joy in my heart. I knew it was there, I just didn't feel it at the moment.
Sometimes at this time of year we feel like we have lost our joy, we are so confused by sales, and purchases or making things for the people we love that we get lost. Mentally lost. It can feel like too much and you may be ready to throw in the towel as they say.
I want to tell you not to do that! Don't quit because things are hard, or disturbing, because that is when you need to dig in and tell someone else about your struggles so they can pray with you, or tell someone about Jesus and reignite your light for Jesus. Remind yourself the truth in the Word of God.
Don't be caught up in the cares of this world so much that you forget why we are in this celebration season in the first point!
Today watch a movie about Jesus' birth. It doesn't matter how long or anything particular but and we will see what I get from Baby Jesus birth, and God's directions. There are a lot of things out there to keep you from being over it all! Get grounded in the Word and read Luke 1-4 at least. Know the Word about the Word... in Jesus' name! Jesus said joy abundant! Look for it, pray about it, and live it! Sing praises to Jesus and lift your spirit high no matter what others think about this, worshipping the Lord really lifts your Spirit and the Joy of the Lord will fill your life, your heart and your home!
Heavenly father, we lift your name on high and we thank you for the Joy of the Lord!