India won the cricket world cup Saturday night and oh what celebration and joy filled the streets! Shouting, cheering, fireworks, dancing- all of India rejoiced. On one hand, this one event brought together one of the most diverse countries; there was unity in victory that night. But as I looked out from my balcony at the world around me explode into celebration, I felt… sad, burdened. Don’t get me wrong, I do not serve a God who does not want us to rejoice, have fun, and enjoy life here on earth. My heart was heavy because I realized that some of these people may never experience true fullness of joy- joy that can only come through the savior, joy that surpasses a sports victory. It is the only joy that will satisfy.
Everything in this life is temporary and will fade away but He brings TRUE LIFE. NOTHING else compares. His joy is what keeps us going in times of suffering, knowing that He is graciously pouring out Himself upon us and molding us more into His image. His joy is what shines through us as we carry His name into the darkness. It is the hope we have radiating in and through us, coursing through us when there is no reason to hold on. We have joy in Him because we are redeemed and are no longer slaves to sin, but are FREE to walk with Him in the light. We have joy in all that He reveals to us and most of all, our joy is made complete in Him being glorified. THAT is worth celebrating- the one who is worthy of all praise and adoration- the one who would be completely justified to pass His judgment upon us, but who chose in His mercy and grace to come down to us, live among us and to sacrifice Himself so that we could be made right with the Father! THAT is worth celebrating more than anything else. So as we enjoy the things of this world, let us remember that every good gift comes from the Father above and there is no greater gift than this. Nothing else compares.
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