Jesus let his friends in on some secrets (you’ll have to
read the Bible yourself to find them) and in a statement in John 15:11, he said
‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be
complete.’
Jesus wants his friends to enjoy life. Not just survive. Not
just plod through it. Not just tick off the jobs accomplished and the duties
fulfilled. But to enjoy the gift he’s given us, in the place he’s given us. Joy
is Technicolor, vibrant and explosive or deep and reflective. When I see the
neon colours of Livingstone daisies, I smile. They look like joy to me. Even in
times of sorrow, there can run a subterranean river of joy which keeps us
refreshed and comforted and renewed. That river is Jesus, who is the living
water.
This is the time of year when many go on holiday, seeking
refreshment and rest and respite, in a season of explosive July joy – garden growth,
summer fun, ‘school’s out!’. It’s almost paradoxical to think of becoming rested
while surrounded by activity, but somehow the vibrancy of the season feeds our
joy and refuels us. Winter rest is more like hibernation. Summer rest is
different.
May we all find rest and refreshment out there in God’s
glorious world, whether under sunny skies or drenching ones. God is good, and
he invites us to come away with him, and find rest and joy in his presence.
No comments:
Post a Comment