Shining lights…
Last week my wife changed the light bulb over our front porch. She put in one of those rotating multi-colored Christmassy type lights. A filter around the bulb rotates casting a myriad of circling colours along the front steps, across the exterior wall and through the front door window onto the floor of the entryway inside.
The unceasing movement of rainbow circles traversing the entry is driving our cat crazy. She scrapes at them, pounces on them, crouches low ahead of them, but no matter what tactic she employs she just can’t seem to grab hold of even one of them! She meows at us in her frustration but all we can do is chuckle for we know the absolute futility of her goal.
As I settle down to write today’s post about Joy our cat’s behaviour becomes an illustration to me of mankind’s quest for happiness. Temporal things bring short-term happiness but like the lights they’re always on the move and like the lights they are ultimately things one simply cannot hold on to. I think of the frustrated souls who do not know the joy that God can bring. Do they perhaps look up to Him grim faced in their frustration… and “meow” out complaints? “It’s not fair!” “Why don’t You let me win the lottery… become famous… have multiple lovers?” Does God chuckle back knowing within Himself the truth — the absolute futility of these goals?
God loves us too much to enable us to settle for fading earthly lights. He intends for us something far better. What was it the prophet said…
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Dan. 12:3).
And Jesus has promised His people this:
“…I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)
More tomorrow…
To hear this past Sunday’s message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 
Good connection John. Thanks.
LikeLike