I can’t help but think of this song every time I get phone calls from Omaha, NE; Washington DC; E. Waterford, PA; Santa Paula, CA; or Lytton Spg, TX. All the calls want is money for political agendas, ad campaigns, or to stop certain political opponents. Really? Money is not the answer folks. If they were selling something of value, they wouldn’t have to ask for money. We would already be sending it.
When my grandmother died, I helped mother clean out her home. While taking clothes out of the dresser, a letter fell on the floor. It was one I had written to her when I was seven years old.
Dear Grandmama,
How are you and Papa doing? I miss and love you so much. Could you send me a quarter? I really need it. Love, Angela
Guess I was practicing for today’s culture!!! I set it up to make them feel good and then wham, I’m asking for money.
Money, money, money.
And have you noticed all the pop-up ads on Facebook recently? Cure wrinkles. Write a book today! Buy this. Buy that. It’s beginning to feel like an assault.
In my devotional this morning, I read:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. . . . and which of you by worrying can add one cubit to your stature? . . . But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Luke 12:22-31, paraphrased)
When I get stressed over every day occurrences, I get so agitated. I lose my joy.
John Piper said, “Maintaining joy in God takes work; that is, it’s a fight against every impulse for alien joys and every obstacle in the way to seeing and savoring Christ.”
“Rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
I have to fight to feel the joy. And that’s okay. Fighting or resolving to be joyful has many bonuses, internal and external.
Omaha, NE just called me again. I felt my ire rising, but I fought back, answered the phone, and listened before saying, “Thank you for your offer. You are so kind. I pray God blesses you to the uttermost. Have a wonderful day. Goodbye.”
I did not hang up on Omaha, NE. And before the receiver left my ear I heard, “Thank you! God bless you, too”
Joy.
God will do it His way – in great and unexpected ways through us when we trust Him and fight for joy in the middle of life’s aggravations!!!!
Are you fighting for joy in your life? If so, marinate in the following verses:
Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
James 1:2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”
Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Psalm 16:9 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
1 Thessalonians 2:20 “For You are our glory and joy.”
1 John 1:4 “And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”
Fight for joy! Marinate in it! It’s the key to physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
God bless you,
I fight for joy every day. Thank you for the verses to help me have hope. You are Christ's Light in our dark world. ❤️
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