What Deciphers Your Joy?

Isn't it amazing how quickly we allow circumstances to change the right foot we begin our days on? I do. In the essence that there is a lack of steadfastness in Christ. Let me share a small incident.

My inside alarm went off a little after 4 AM this morning. Not sure why but felt led to go ahead and begin the day with prayer. Along with bringing a number of my comrades before Him, the need to acknowledge Him is critical. Few  minutes to 6 I went to attend a prayer meeting with a small group. It was sweet fellowship with the Lord. A time to 'be still and know that I am God.' To sit still and listen to Him.

After returning 'home' I continued to prepare for work. It was going to be a great day. Yes, a very great day in the Lord! I had met with the Lord and I knew things were going to be okay...after all there isn't anything that is too hard for Him now, is there? That was an overwhelming thought.

The clock struck ten til eight. I headed to work. Being the beginning day of the work week, reports needed to be printed off for our Staff meeting. No problem. There will be...my Boss, conference coordinator, kitchen.... yes, the total would be nine. It needs to be in color which looks so much nicer... On and on my thoughts rambled. File>Print>.... OK. I waited for the printer to warm up. Started its projects, then...an abrupt silence. 'Not again!' I proceeded to unjam the goofy thing and off it started again. Only to fail and declare,'Remove paper in circled area'. 'Whatev!' As I opened the different compartments (all the while getting black residue all over my hands) I mumbled and complained. 'Why do you have to continually jam up?' I had called the company to service it just the week previous and had been told it was 'in working order' PLUS they'd come out another time prior to this time. 'Ah!' 'So retarded.'

So we have one glorious day quickly turned into what I found myself most unhappy. And the urge to complain was on the tip of my tongue. Then for some unknown reason and definitely not of my own I saw myself as if I was looking in at this whole little episode. Wow. I stood there dumbfounded at how suddenly my reason and source of joy had been turned upside down. What does Satan come to do first? Steal. Hm. Yup, there went my joy... Instead of relying my joy to be dictated by how well things go next time, may I call remembrance my Source of joy-Jesus Christ. With Christ, no matter how unraveled circumstances may appear, He knows every little kink which is to face us...some perhaps just might seem to slap us up the face out of no where but no without His knowledge and He does not become aloof but yearns that we'd commune with Him on a continual basis. And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Our joy is not found in this world but Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect this truth.