There are some who believe that to be a “Christian” is to live a dreary, joyless, poor existence. As a matter of fact, that is what I thought before I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life. Non-believers think that the Christian life is so full of “don’ts” and “can’ts”, there just can’t be any joy in that kind of a life.

The Truth is, what non-believers usually consider fun is a sinful lifestyle. Partying, promiscuity, putting self first, doing what seems right in their own eyes,  sleeping late on Sundays (to mention a few), seem like fun for a season but eventually leave you alone, unsatisfied and wanting for “something” more. There are some who try then fill that emptiness with “stuff.” That can be substances, relationships, extreme sports . . . even medication prescribed by doctors. All in an effort to get that momentary thrill, pleasure or satisfaction. Still there is an emptiness.

In the United States of America, depression, anxiety and insomnia seem to be at epidemic levels. If you watch television or flip through a magazine there are ads upon ads that have a pill for whatever ails you.  All the answers seem to be right there in that little pill and the promises abound. But peace, joy and satisfaction can’t be found in a prescription bottle either. So if the world can’t find an answer, where can it be found?

There is a place you can go and find promises that go beyond that temporary fix or satisfaction and will not fade away in moments or days but will last for eternity. And yes, it is the promises that are found in The Book . . . with the very words of our LORD.

Jesus said in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” NIV

And in John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

These are promises straight from Jesus! And this surely doesn’t sound like a dull, unsatisfying life! In Him we can live life to its fullest. He gives us His joy and since we are given His joy there is no other joy that needs to be added, no other joy that can be found in anyone or anything besides Jesus. This joy is truly “complete.” Amen and Amen!

There are even Christians that go through life without joy and peace because they have never embraced or believed the promises of Jesus in the Bible. How heartbreaking! There it is ours . . . all we need do is believe.

On Christian radio there is a song by Casting Crowns called “Thrive.” What wonderful and hope-filled lyrics.

“Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to do more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy unspeakable
Faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable
Anything is possible”

As believers in Jesus Christ you and I were born to “Thrive”!

MaryAnn Kiernan

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