January 26 – Distress to Joy

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 

Joy is just one of the ultimate characteristics, expressions of love, and fulfilling experiences in life. Would you consider that depression, life without joy, is probably the cause of most suicides, and likely the case of homicides, too. My ex-brother-in-law was not a person who I would ever characterize as “joyful.” He didn’t know Jesus as his savior and in fact at one time considered himself an atheist, specifically rejecting Christ. His choices in life resulted in a lot of people being robbed of their joy when he killed my sister, her new husband, and his own two daughters…and then, himself. Choices. Attitudes. Those are the keys to life—the shackles of death. You might ask, “How does one find their way back to joy?”

Only through the love of Jesus. Love shown through the hugs, encouraging words, and kind actions of those who know Him become doers of the Word. See James chapter two, especially verse 26…For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Having received this love from others, I need to freely give it—to pass it on, or as some would say, “pay it forward.” It isn’t hard to look around us to see those who need to have their joy restored. From the child who has been bullied, or the unappreciated office worker, to the neglected senior citizen cast away in a dreary rest home, there are people who need to be shown love and compassion to renew their strength in the Lord and experience joy again. Try to show and share Jesus’ love with those around you. That love may change their opinion of Jesus—make them a believer-so that other lives may ultimately be spared. We never know if our random or purposed act of kindness may result in a better life, mercy and joy for others. 

Training Tip – Create a “Pay It Forward” game. Roll a dice and have the children give ideas for helping other people depending on the number on the dice.

            1 = help a child who is bullied at school

            2 = help a homeless person

            3 = help someone who is new to your neighborhood

            4 = help someone who is new to their class at school

            5 = help someone in your own family

            6 = help an older person

Give reward points for each idea. Then transfer the reward points to food treats. Example 10 points = one cookie. 

Lord – We’ve had some real trials in life, but through Your mercy the joy, inexpressible, has been rekindled in our lives. Thank you for sending others to share Your love with us…let us help others with the same love and mercy. 

This is the day of a minor Jewish Festival, Tu Bishvat, a “New Year” day welcoming spring and the blooming of the first tree. It is celebrated by eating fruits and nuts from specific trees.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.