That Our Joy Would be Complete
A mom overheard her six-year-old son praying, “Lord, don’t worry about making me a better boy. I’m having a great time just like I am.”
Of course, she had to laugh.
The boy’s prayer is funny. However, in life, most of us have found that it is not the places that bring deep joy that we need God’s help turning away from. Jesus said he came so that our joy would be complete. No, it is the places in our life that feel mostly dead that we need help with. When we deal with the dead places, our joy only intensifies.
During this season of Lent, it’s worth asking the question: Are there things in my life that are dragging me down, taking a toll on my energy, on my faith, or on my relationships? Are there things that are keeping me from living more fully?
A verse that has been on my heart lately is from Mark 8:34-37. Jesus said, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it…”
May God grant us the strength and courage to ask for help if we need it, and to lose, to let go, and surrender so that we might make room for true abundant life.
Let us pray: God of Hope, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for loving us just as we are – and for loving us so much that you want us to stretch our faith and grow as human beings. Show us those places in our lives that need to be raised to new life. Fill us with your grace, mercy, and peace so that we would have the strength to let go, to surrender, so that we can begin again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
