Faith is Joy

May 29 Thursday of the 6th week of Easter: A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 18:1-8; Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4; John 16:16-20

“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” Acts 16:20.

There are times when we don’t feel close to God—or that God is close to us. But these are just feelings. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” If we keep believing this when we don’t feel it, we grow into pure faith, hope and love. And into greater joy—if we just persevere.

We also “grieve” when people don’t accept our witness. The Jews in Corinth rejected Paul. He decided, “From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Their overwhelming response led to greater joy.

Christians always rejoice—because of what we see by faith. And because we “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” And “hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us” (Romans 5:5; 15:13). Where there is love there is life. “Love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

No matter how we feel from day to day, we always count on Christ’s promise: “A little while and you will see me.”

PRAY: “My soul waits for the Lord; my heart is glad, because I trust in his holy name” (Psalm 33).

PRACTICE: Believe in love, not your feelings.