Isaiah 55 ... For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:
I went through several days of trial and struggle with our little church group as they spoke vain religious puffed up nonsense.
I rebuked them sharply and temporarily they sobered up.
Grief came upon me as I thought of them. I would awaken in the mornings and be so sad, like some terrible thing was about to befall me.
I cried out to God for help as I had been crying out to God for help all through the struggle with our church group.
I had no joy. It was all gone.
I prayed for God to restore my joy, somehow.
Then I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Dan. 3)
I was writing something at the time. I went to Daniel 3 to quote what they pronounced and I became so very joyful when I heard their words again, for I've read this many time.
I realized my joy comes from that which these truly godly people say ... Esther, Abraham, David ...
FOCUS ON THEM.
Let them be my friends. Joy will go through the roof with them! Spend time with them.
*****
No friends? Alone? Trying to be friends with people who grieve you? Even with church people who grieve you? Thinking of disobedient children and relatives and mates?
To have joy, stop and turn to the great men and women of faith in the Bible and fellowship with them at night instead of those fleshly people around you.
You can choose: joy vs. sorrow
This book is based on the time I'm spending with men and women of faith in the Bible.
My friends.
Joan Boney