Jars of Joy

It seems that when things are going bad, it is second nature to worry. Stress and anxiety seem easier at times than trusting in God. Much of the worry in our lives is failure on our part to believe and trust the hand of God. Maybe we view this world as a place intended simply for our happiness and our jars of joy are empty.  When we allow our minds to run wild with worry, we receive absolutely no joy.

So how do we fill our jars with joy during those intolerable times? There are numerous scriptures which tell us that when we give thanks for the daily gifts God gives us that our thanksgiving creates abundance and multiplies our joy.  In Philippians 4:11-12  the apostle Paul says, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether is it with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little”. (See also:  Eph. 5: 20; Phil. 4: 6; John 6: 11; Matt. 14: 19; Matt. 15: 36; Romans 5: 3; 2 Cor. 7: 4)

We can give thanks in everything because God is working all things together for good. God has already proved his love for us by sending his son. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8: 32).

I think the point in all this is simply this:  when we are wrestling with our emotions and feeling abandoned by God we should trust in the Lord’s love. There is no point at which God does not love us. He never lets us down. He is always there and meets every need perfectly. Even in our sins, God continues to love us. Much like Moses’ experience in Exodus 33, it is in the dark that God is passing by. He tucks us in the cleft of the rock and covers us with his hand (Ex. 33: 22-23).  When the dust settles we look back and see God’s back.

God blesses those who are humble (Matt. 5:5).   When we are in a place of humble thanks, God protects and blesses us with more gifts and our jar of joy never runs dry.

Father, we desire to be a grateful people. Help us to be mindful of our blessings in all circumstances. Open our eyes so that we can see You working in our situations.

Carla Henson

Abilene, Texas