Oswald Chambers: Joy - Strength In The LordSýnishorn

The only way we can enjoy our “tree of life” is by fulfilling the purpose of our creation. Jesus Christ prayed “that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” The thing that kept Jesus joyful was not that He held aloof from actual things, but that He had a kingdom within. Our Lord’s whole life was rooted and grounded in God, consequently He was never wearied or cynical.

Within the limits of birth and death I can do as I like; but I cannot make myself un-born, neither can I escape death, those two limits are there. I have nothing to do with placing the limits, but within them I can produce what my disposition chooses. Whether I have a distressful time or a joyful time depends on what I do in between the limits of the durations.

Reflection Questions: What people cause me to be cynical? Why do I allow their values and choices to diminish my joy? When I allow cynicism, what does it tell me about my own values? What choices can I make to replace cynicism with joy?

Quotations taken from Still Higher for His Highest, © Discovery House Publishers