Jesus, Others, You

As a child, we were given the real definition of joy; Jesus, Others, and You. What a wonderful way to spell joy!

It seems the older one gets the more significant those early lessons of life become. Simply put, when life is all about our own issues, concerns, even interests and passions, we easily become focused on self. It doesn't seem that way at first because we are so taken with the important issues close at hand that we loose sight of what is really important. Our goals, ambitions, even calling from God drive us to activity, efforts and they capture our attention. In our maturity, we easily 'grow' past the weightier issues in our walk with Him.

I am not advocating an anti-intellectual approach to our walk with Christ. I do not believe the Lord wants us to put our brain on a shelf and not use it, after all, we are called to love the Lord with alll our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, over thinking, analyzing, complicating the simplicity of Christ we can forfeit the joy of the Lord that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Maybe it is time to return to the definition of joy. Rather than trying to find joy in what we do, even what we do for the Lord, it is time to get back to the relationship that really matters. Rather than being so busy for the Lord, take the time to be with the Lord. Let your joy be restored and with it you will find your strength will be restored as well.