Monday, September 24, 2007

More Thoughts on Joy

I recently read some more insights on joy, and thought I'd share them, as a follow-up to this post.

"For the duration of time in which we experience travail, we offer our suffering to God as a channel through which redemptive grace of Jesus Christ, can flow into the world . . . Joy is not a feeling of hilarity nor is it carefree abandon. Joy is not measurable by laughter . . . Rather, joy is a fruit of the Spirit which rises from trust and surrender to the will of God. It is a peace and contentment which anchors the soul in true hope and faith." Johnnette Benkovic, Full of Grace.

So joy comes back to not looking at suffering as a curse, but as a blessing from God to bring us closer to him. If we offer our suffering to God, then we too, can show the world the power of his "redemptive grace". And if we can surrender to the will of God by receiving our suffering as a blessing, we can develop the spiritual fruit of joy. Oh, that I may be able to do so!

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18The boys and our helper making "bikini bread", as it is affectionately known at our house.

3 comments:

Candace said...

I thought this quote sounded familiar. I'm happy to hear that you are still reading Full of Grace. It is a wonderful study. I just wish I could remember all that I learn, and absorb it enough to make it a true part of my daily life. Thanks for the reminder, it will help me have a joyous evening with the kids.
Candace

Anonymous said...

Have you ever noticed that the person who is joyful really has it all figured out?? They find joy in their faith, they look for the face of Jesus in those around them, they do acts of kindness, don't harbor ill thoughts, revel in the the tiniest hint of good, and live til it seems like they are 90. May you and all of those around you find the grace of joy, because you only find it thru God's grace.
Glad to see you write again...I was concerned that maybe the earthquakes over there had taken down your internet...:-)'
Say hello to the family for me...

Christy said...

Yes, Candace, I am going to finish the last lesson tomorrow. Yay! I am really enjoying it. But it is hard to remember all of it - so much to learn.

Hi Susan, it's nice to hear from you. I didn't realize you have been reading here! I'll tell Charlie and the boys "hi".

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