Fighting for Joy!

How are you all doing in your fight for JOY?

In our small group today, our family of high school guys and "Papa Chuck", we talked about how to keep the fire burning after the snow retreat is over and life is back to normal. Some of the guys are doing very well in their Bible reading and prayer and others are struggling.

Why is it a fight? If it were easy then Christianity would be easy. We are in a war for our souls and the enemy does not sleep. Sin doesn't wake up tired- thanks Micah. When we fight sin, sleepiness, laziness, lack of discipline and every other thing that keeps us from our time with the Lord, we are fighting against those negative things, for sure, but we are also, and I now think more importantly, fighting to keep our joy and zeal hot.

When we physically exercise it takes work to get started and work to keep it going. You work to lose pounds maybe, but you also work out because when you do, you feel a lot better. If you only focus on the pounds you will soon stop. But when you focus on the long term positive benefits, then it is easier to sustain.

Our Christian life and walk is much the same. It takes work to fight for our joy, BUT it is worth it. The long term and the short term benefits are huge. Don't let the evil one steal your joy while you're sleeping. Don't let him steal your joy while you worry about something that may or may not happen. Fight for it, because God is the Giver of Joy and He is worth the fight. He will give you joy inexpressible. He always keeps His promises.

Just a little reminder to you, but mostly to myself. Please LMK how you're doing in your battle.