Stephen blows fiercely against the candles on his cake. But try as he may, those flames will not die. He is the victim of trickery and everyone howls with merriment. There is a wonderful lesson on top all that delicious frosting.
So often as Christians we wear our joy like normal candles. At the slightest breeze of adversity we find our light snuffed. It is much easier to be critical and whine than it is to rest in the certainty of Christ. Joy is not defined by the absence of wind or rain or by the presence of paradise. It is not conceived under the banner of pleasure. True joy cannot be formed by what is already in essence tainted. For joy to be complete it must be founded in the only thing that is perfect—God!
Meditation
Psalm 28:7—The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
I have found that certain elements directly contribute to my ability to be joyful. First, I must have the habit of eating from God’s Word. Without the nourishing wisdom the Bible gives, I lose God’s perspective, embrace my own notion of life and reap the sour taste of a convoluted attitude. Second, I must be in prayer. For some profoundly simple reason, talking to God and listening to Him dynamically fortifies my spirit so that regardless of what happens I am at peace. Without prayer, I plunge into stress and find my body like a guitar string too tightly wound—sharp to the ear. Third, I need times of fellowship with other believers. It’s hard to be encouraged, and to gain a healthy perspective if I am without the companionship of brothers and sisters in love with Jesus.
How’s your joy quotient? “Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee . . .” Hmmmm. Those words have a polished ring. If the Lord is the subject of our adoration, joy is the operative expression!
Inspiration
