The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah8:10
Joy and peace in us is the proof that we are closely connected with the Lord. They are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Once I leave this closeness, or am separated from it, these fruits disappear.
One time Jesus showed me this truth by the following natural incidents: The sky was very clear. No one cloud was visible. The sun was shining brightly and it was warm. Joy was coming up and we decided to enjoy this day. But suddenly a small cloud covered the sun and remained there for a long while. The sky was otherwise clear and cloudless. But then the situation changed. The little cloud disappeared and the sun shone again. But now the sky around the sun was covered by dark clouds. I was happy about the sunshine but was worried about the clouds around there at the same time.
This natural event pointed me to the following truths: As we see the sun in a cloudless sky, we should see Jesus being in close relationship. The cloud which separated me from the sun was small but meant to me trouble, fears, and sins which deteriorates my relationship with Jesus and takes away my joy. A believer who just has accepted Jesus will see only Him as the sun and is happy, even if the rest of the whole sky is dark and covered. The clouds will be blown away by the winds of the Spirit. Where the sun is, there is joy! Where our relationship with Jesus is, unclouded joy and peace reign. Sometime Jesus shines as a sun over us inmidst of a dangerous and gloomy situation. In these moments we only want to look at Jesus and do not allow the fear to rob our joy. He is our Lord! We want to take care that no small cloud of fear, apprehensions, sin, and worries will come between us and Jesus. We want to maintain a relationship which is clear, full of joy and of profound peace. Then we are captured by the power of joy with which we go boldly in the day and get to work. He is with us, He loves and helps us! This makes us happy and fills us with joy and courage.
Thank You, Jesus, You are there! For You the clouds are no problem but our little faith, our doubts and sullenness, our mistrust and sorrows, and apprehensions. But with Your help I will live with You in total and undisturbed trust.
Bible reading today – Revelation 2: 12-17