Has your week ever turned on one event?

In our family recently each week has revolved around an event of less than desirable occurrence. No life and death things but significant events that required attention and some action to overcome. It has seemed that they have grabbed the focus of the week in such a way as to suck all of the energy into that one event like a black hole consumes light in space. Nothing escapes the suction not even joy. When this happens the week takes on a dark and ominous outlook. Lives become dark and more desolate in outlook and action. Hope is a distant memory and Joy, well joy has departed for a week in the Caribbean.

A friend said recently there is nothing worse than being around someone who has lost their joy! Would you agree? Mean, nasty, grumpy people are tough to endure for any length of time. They suck the fun out of any and everything. They are such a downer for others. If it is your spouse, it makes you not want to go home! Who wants a grumpy spouse to come in the door? It’s not like them. How did they lose their Joy? I think it all has to do with focus. What is in their sights for their lives? That will determine their joy!

If our aim is material goods our joy is short lived. Those things fade and get dated. They rust and decay and we move on. The break and need repair and maintenance. If we shoot for success and accolades they satisfy for but a brief moment until the next shining star comes along.  We find ourselves sad and discouraged once again. Is there a target that does not fade, rust, decay or sour? A target so certain that Joy returns from the tropical paradise to live in our homes again?

On the sign in front of Faith Baptist Church on GA 119 Joy is an acronym for Jesus, Others and Yourself. I think the order is paramount to our Joy for a believer. When we focus on anything other than Jesus our joy fades. When Peter began to see the wave and hear the wind as he walked on the water he began to sink. Only when he refocused on Jesus was he again safe.

How about your joy! Are others glad to be around you or are you sucking the fun out of life? Have you focused your attention of your problems and pain so much so that life does not exist outside of them? They have become a black hole consuming your joy, life your very existence. Romans 12:2 (HCSB) Paul says

² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Consider what is in your sights? What have you aimed at? It begins with your mind. What stays in your thoughts? Does it encourage you or discourage you? You are more than what has happened to you! You are more than what you can do! You are more than the problems that you face! You are more! What you aim at is what you will hit!

Is Jesus in your sights? If not, there is your problem. Your aim is off! That’s it! Count your blessings see what God has done! It really is simple. When we set our aim on our Savior and Lord the things of earth grow strangely dim. They pale in comparison to his glory. He says in our sights, “I love you so.” What compares to that? Then he ask us to love God with all that we are and love our neighbors as ourselves. He says nothing about our problems or pressures, nothing about our preferences or particular position. No everything about love. Love God love man that is as simple as it gets. When God is our target with those he loves in our sights Jesus gives us a promise. Matthew recorded these words, this promise in chapter 6, verse 33 (HCSB)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

So, what event should each and every week turn on? I say LOVE. Love God and Love our neighbors! This other stuff is handled at least that’s what Jesus said!

What do you say?     

What is in your sights?

 

In HIS Service and Yours,

The Rev