Hebrews 12:2, “who for the sake of the joy that was set
before him,”
Athletes, musicians, and dancers are known, along with
several other professions, for facing grueling schedules, as well as physical,
emotional, and spiritual tension. The pressure has been known to make or break
a career despite talent.
Yet for each one the initial choice is made to endure
hardship for the hope of the prize or success. A choice to commit—yes—but how
often with a sense of joy in the process?
Then there are so many who face daily struggles just to face
the physically, mental and emotional needs of themselves or a loved one. Not a
choice—but still a commitment. How often with joy when fatigue saps strength
moment by moment?
Yet none of us come close to the cross—to the plan Jesus
chose to endure—for each of us.
His faith vision looked beyond the immediate pain, beyond
the devastation of sin’s legacy, beyond the present futility, towards goals
that encompassed the imperishable. His ability to choose a higher value than
immediate needs leaves us an example to follow when crisis of any kind
debilitates our lives.
He continues to go before us and prepare our paths. He
continues to stretch our thinking beyond survival, or hope in the end, to the experience
of His joyful Presence now.
Yet how often do we truly look for His joy?
Lord, please enable us to mirror Your values in all
circumstances, so that we can focus on the imperishable regardless of how
difficult a season we are in.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his
sheaves with him.”
