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 A collective reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and LoveThursday, December 19, 2024 |
| Finding Joy in the Midst of Disappointment Matthew 2:1-12 I am a flexibly inflexible person: a person who finds joy in planning but not so much joy in implementing because it is in the execution of those plans that everything can go awry. As a teacher, I must be flexible every hour of the day. I can never predict exactly how my students will act or react to what I say or do. To combat this inevitable unpredictability, I plan for a variety of outcomes. However, I have found that often, the most rewarding days are the days when my plans fail. When my students and I venture outside a specified discussion or activity, we find ourselves exploring topics directly relevant to their lives outside of school; consequently, their engagement in their learning increases. The wise men expected to find Jesus, the King of the Jews, in an earthly palace, but they were shocked to discover that the young boy whose significance was marked by a glorious star was living in a lowly carpenter’s house in Bethlehem. Recognizing that he was the eternal King, the wise men adjusted their expectations, worshiped him, and gave him valuable gifts. They experienced true joy in the form of praising Jesus, the Son of God. Life is full of dashed dreams and hopeless disappointment. Whether it is in our professional or personal lives, Christians are not immune from suffering. In fact, in James 1:2-3, we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God works through our disappointments and doubts, helping us adjust our levels of contentment and find joy in sharing his good work in our lives with others. In the last 20 years, chronic pain has forced me to alter my leisure and occupational activities considerably. As each new pain and syndrome appeared, I was angry at God for allowing such physical hardships to enter my life. But now I see that he was shaping my inflexibility into flexibility and showing me how to empathize with others who also suffer from pain. By Marci Gibbens PRAYER FOR TODAY God, we are so thankful that your plan for our lives is perfect. Help us to recognize that true joy can be found in praising you—our Lord, Savior, and Jesus Christ—in all circumstances, even the most challenging ones (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Strengthen us as we support others through their hardships and point them to you. Amen. DOWNLOAD ECHOES OF HOPE PDF BOOKLET |
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