#88of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Today’s lesson in about elation or pure joy.

As an adult, we worry. We worry about our friends, family, finances, work, and everything that we have to do. We have fun and enjoy life but that pure elation we have can be fleeting if we realize it at all. Today I dropped my daughter off on a playdate with one of her best friends. The girls were ecstatic to be in each other’s company. Giggling, being loud, being excited to eat together, and have an awesome day. In their eyes we only pure joy. No worries, no distractions, no nothing, just pure happiness. How I long for that pure joy to be everlasting in my life. I know that life is filled with ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, successes and failures. The Word tells us that that is only in this life, not the next.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” – Ecclesiastes 9:7

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9

Isn’t God awesome? He tells us that even though life will be hard and faith challenging, it will be rewarding. We will have an inexpressible and glorious joy. god approves of us and the salvation of our souls is the end result. How amazing is that? I can’t wait for that pure everlasting joy.

I see glimpses of this in my children’s reactions: seeing their friends, going on trips, eating candy. This pure, unadulterated, glorious joy. Wow.  These tastes of joy will pale in comparison to the everlasting joy, but it sure makes me excited for it.

Are you willing to live life to the fullest? Are you willing to hold on to these moments? Are you willing to see joy as a precursor to eternal joy?

I am willing (with the help of God)