JOY'S DELIGHT Vol 11 No 4
February 7, 2012
Dear Friend,
What gives you joy and refreshes your heart? The Apostle Paul gave us a window into what brought joy’s delight to his heart and it certainly will bring it to yours and mine as well.
Paul and his team spent just a few short weeks in the town of Thessalonica. Before having to make a run for it because of significant opposition they saw several people believe in Jesus.
Clearly they wondered and worried. “What happened after we left?” “How is the small band of believers in Thessalonica getting along?” So Paul tells us, “…when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.” I Thessalonians 3:5*
So Timothy made the trip, returned to Paul “…and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you.” I Thessalonians 3:6
The news couldn’t have been better and Paul exclaims, “For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.”
I Thessalonians 3:8
Think about the people whose ongoing faith in the person of Jesus brings joy’s delight to you – members of your family, friends and others – some of whom you may have introduced to Jesus but all of whom are his followers.
Think about the people who find joy in your faith and in the constancy and perseverance of your walk with our Lord in the midst of the ups and downs of living.
For both kinds of people, allow these words of Paul to shape your own response, “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.” I Thessalonians 3:9-10
With joy - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2012 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV
