Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, my friend Doug goes to dialysis.  Today it was my privilege to take him.  On the ride there he shared with me how the Lord is at work at the dialysis center where he receives treatment.  One of the patients is preparing to be baptized this coming Sunday and one of the patients brought his Bible to read while receiving treatments.

Through a difficult journey, Doug and LuAnn continue to live out their faith and see trials as an opportunity to trust the Lord and bring Him glory.  They are an example of “instilling joy.”  Their attitude encourages others to keep on keeping on, don’t quit, don’t give up, keep hoping, and keep trusting!

“For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”    Philemon 1:7

In contrast, Doug mentioned to me about a person there that makes it his mission to “steal joy”.   Joy Stealers complained to the Doc for spanking them when they were born.  They put both their cables on the negative post on their battery.  I know that a battery has a negative post, but the purpose is to keep the battery grounded not buried.   They can tell you why it won’t work and why you can’t do it and why you shouldn’t do it. Their middle name is “water hose” because they can dampen any enthusiasm.  They can suck the life and hope out of you and take any silver lining and poison you with it.  They believe if they aren’t happy no one else should be either.  Now before I go on, let me admit that many times I give into the temptation to “steal joy” instead of “instill joy.”

I am reminded of the words of a song:  “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!  (Where) Down in my heart! (Where) Down in my heart!”  We live in a world that is surrounded by those who “steal joy”.  As followers of Jesus, let us be those who “instill joy.”   Before you tell me why you are negative, let me remind you that joy is based on Jesus not our circumstances.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

Does your life instill joy or steal joy?

It is not too late to take one of the cables off the negative post and put it on the positive post and take the negative cable and ground it in the Word of God!

Life is a Journey, learn on the way!  ‘Till next time stay in the Scriptures!

Pastor Jon