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The Recipe for Joy
by Karen White "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakuk 3: 18 When I was a young girl my grandmother lived just a few miles away from me. I spent as much time at her house as I did at mine. I cannot count the times I watched her bake a cake or cook a meal. I have still use many of her recipes. But the most important recipe she gave me was how to live a life full of joy. The following was her recipe: J stands for Jesus He deserves and must always be put first in your life. My grandmother always started her day by reading her bible and praying. When she had a decision to make, she prayed seeking His will first. Jesus always came first with her. When you have to make a decision pray asking what He would have you do or say. If you are still undecided, for example, if your friends want you to go with them somewhere, ask yourself if Jesus would go there, if not you should not go either. Remember Jesus lives in your heart so everywhere you go He goes also. O stands for others. Place the needs of others before your own wishes. If you have to make a choice between visiting a sick friend and going to the movies with another friend, you should make time for the sick friend first. My grandmother was not one to sit around doing nothing. She was always sending someone a card, calling to check on a friend, or busy in the kitchen cooking something for someone in need. She cared about other people and the love of Jesus shown through her and drew others to Christ. Y stands for you, notice that it is the last letter in the word, "joy". We need to take care of ourselves by eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. However, our wants and needs should not be the number one priority in our life. As Christians, we have not been promised a life of permanent happiness but we can be joyful all the time knowing that Christ has saved us from our sins, He is in control of our lives, and nothing can separate us from Him. Do you want a life of joy? Give my grandmother's "joy" recipe a try it tastes heavenly! Dear Lord, thank You for my grandmother who taught me about You and how to live a joyful life. I pray that her "recipe" may be used to give others a joyful life, as well. In Jesus's name, amen. Karen is a Christian wife, mother, and grandmother. She is a retired teacher who now spends her time reading and writing. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |