Have you ever been robbed? Has anything so precious to you ever been taken? Maybe it was a horrible incident, like your house being invaded or your car stolen. Or maybe it was something as simple as a coworker stealing your diet Coke from the fridge. Either way it’s a feeling of loss, an emptiness, something that was there and was yours is no longer there. But did we do anything that “allowed” it to happen?
Have you ever felt robbed of your joy? Has your passion been “stolen”? Maybe it was caused by a horrible incident, like the loss of a loved one or total rejection by someone close. Or maybe it was something as simple as a few cutting words that hit you in that vulnerable place in your heart. Either way it’s a feeling of loss, of emptiness, something that was there and was yours is no longer there.But did we do anything that “allowed” it to happen?
Wait! What? How did I allow this to happen? Well….didyou forget to lock the doors? Did you put off getting the security system? Did you forget to “mark” that soda? OK, but how did I allow my joy….my passion…to be taken? Did YOU jump head first into the problem? Did you forget to invest in the security of God’s Word and His promises?
None of this is easy. But all is replaceable. Will it be exactly the same? Nope. Some things will not be even close. Family heirlooms….photographs…. But some things will be better…..new car…..new TV….. But what about joy and passion? Is it replaceable? Will it be the same? Well, here is the good news! Galatians 5:22-23 affirms to us that joy is a fruit. It isn’t a gift or an object – but can it be taken?? I dare say only if we allow it. It’s not like replacing the car or TV. It cannot be bought but can only be renewed. John 16:22 “…ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
No one said this life would be easy. Evil lurks all around us. But are we prepared? Are we protected? Stand firm my friend. Remain in His Word. And “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
