Gloom Gone
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."- Isaiah 60:1
Anyone else over the cold and cloudy weather? I thought we lived in sunny Southern California, and I am ready for fun in the sun!
Like the cold weather that has blanketed us in 2023, I am encountering a lot of people being blasted by the overshadowing work of anxiety and despair. Every week I find myself talking to folks who hate their job, have heartbreak in their home life, dealing with health issues, and feel hopeless for future blessings and breakthroughs. Despite the darkness we feel, God can shower us with His light. Psalm 37:6 says, “God will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
Last week, I was speaking to a young lady who works for the non-profit that I serve on the board of. She shared that this has been a very challenging and depleting time, one that has made her feel like giving up. But despite the heaviness of the season, she mentioned that I have helped her through the way I display joy and peace in serving the Lord. As I listened to this amazing leader, I realized that JOY in JESUS is the answer! In Philippians 4:4 Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
This summer let’s be clothed in praise and crowned with joy. Isaiah 35:10 says, “And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” In the Bible a “CROWN” provides an image of celebration and conquest, achievement and reward. Let’s fight the daily battles we face by giving thanks for God’s blessings, putting our faith in Christ, and having joy in His hope that cannot be taken from us. In John 16:22 Jesus promises this to His friends, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Do not let the clouds of each day dampen your mood and steal your shine. Jesus has something wonderful for all who overcome this life and overflow in His power! In Revelation 2:10 He promises to the Church in Smyrna, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”