Good Cheer

That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.

2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG

C.S.Lewis said, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” Are you surprised by that quote. Christian joy is a good feeling or an emotion. But our feelings are not something we can control. Circumstances tend to make us react with happiness or fear. A friend offering you a hug or a dog running at you with teeth bared will cause either a good feeling or a bad one, it is something that simply happens.
Thankfully, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit and deep down the Holy Spirit can cause us to be joyful. It is the Holy Spirit who works in us to create joy and it was Jesus who promised us the Holy Spirit, who brings us his fruit one of which is joy.
When Jesus died and rose again, he wanted us to feel joyful about this and about our life on earth.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours! Amen