Pain and Joy

Introductory questions to chew

Will I admit when I don't understand what Jesus says in His Word?

Am I willing to endure suffering in order to enjoy joy?

What will I ask of the Father in Jesus' name?

What does my joy meter read...and why?

At what do I grieve?

Would I know Jesus if I saw Him?

Joy. Lots of It.

Not pleasure necessarily. Not fun necessarily. Not happiness necessarily.

Joy. Whatever all that is, I want it.

But so many things get in the way of it. So many things go wrong in life. So many problems. So many disappointments.

But I can ask for it. And receive it.

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).

When I pray about the things going wrong, He can give me joy.

When I pray regarding the problems and disappointments, He can give me joy.

When I pray for those whom I love, He can give me joy.

That's what I want; that's what I need.