Do you look at your life and think that you are on a roller coaster ride? One moment you are at the top of your game and the next moment you are being defeated by what life brings your way. And it never fails; just when you think that life is getting better some other event keeps it from happening. As an example, just today a friend of mine said they had just gotten their car out of the shop yesterday only to have the radiator hose break today.  Another tow and another repair bill!  Ouch, those unexpected events can be difficult to overcome especially in these tough financial times.  So how do we deal with these ups and downs in our life?  How and where do we find "joy" in our lives? 

In John 15, verses 7 and 8, Jesus tells us:  "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you will bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."  Later in verse 10 and 11 Jesus says: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Nothing too thought provoking here.  A very direct message!  While staying true to His word, and His commands, we are to ask God for his help realizing that, by doing so, he promises to give both His love and His joy to us.  Take a moment each day to make God a part of your life by giving him your problems and asking that he take up your burdens.  Let Him ease your burdens so that you can experience His love and joy.

John VW