One of my goals this year was to focus on Jesus and one word a day. I started writing them on the calendar and using them on the blog. Did I focus on Jesus? Yes. Did I always remember my word? No. Every post is not a word of focus. But every post includes a verse or some thought about Jesus that I hope blesses you.
I started a new study and I can recommend it. It’s called You’re Already Amazing by Holley Gerth. She gives a list of qualities. For this post, cheerful.
We know God doesn’t change, Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. And He told us to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world. He did, too. And while we could guess His relief that the crucifixion was over, can we fathom the fact that He was cheerful about doing it? He knew what He was sent for, He knew from the beginning, and still He was cheerful.
We all see the sadness in the pictures of Him. He often looks emaciated and frail. Yet, He was the strongest man ever. That pain, that sorrow, sin , sickness and even the punishment for our peace was on Him. Isaiah 53. So Jesus tells us to be of good cheer. He wants to give us His joy and His peace.
It’s much different that natural happiness, that depends on circumstances. This gift is above that. It let’s you have joy and peace in the midst of any situation. Jesus also warns that people will take your joy, He didn’t say circumstances. He said specifically, man. And the wicked one is behind that.
I used to wonder why my plans always fell through. I would plan to go to lunch with my mother and something else would come up. If I wanted to do something on the weekend, someone calls wanting to come over, or shows up unannounced or even if you said no. I realize that these are the ” little foxes ” that will spoil the grapevine. I’m ever so thankful that Jesus is the vine, and this branch has been pruned and pushed around enough by that enemy.
I am determined to be of good cheer. Jesus death and Resurrection, purchased my total freedom, and I will be cheerful and joyful because, He wants me to be. Rebecca Jones
adaughtersgiftoflove 