How do we remain joyful in this world of sin, sickness, darkness, stress, anxiety, fear, and death?  How do we remain joyful when friends and family suffer sickness, poverty, and death?  How do we do it when those we love refuse Christ's invitation and choose to remain in the world?  We do it by entering into Christ's kingdom.  We do it by faith in him who has overcome the world.  We do it by not letting the cares of the world choke the word.  We do it by forsaking the world and following Christ.

            When Jesus was on the earth he showed us aspects of his kingdom.  He taught with wisdom and authority.  He healed the sick.  He raised the dead.  He fed multitudes with little.  He overcame nature by walking on water.  His kingdom counteracted the perils and plight of the world.  He told people that unless they allowed him to rule over them, unless they entered into his covenant by faith, they were doomed to face weeping and gnashing of teeth, torment and death.  Unless they entered his kingdom, death, darkness, and hell would be their final appointment.

            Like Jesus I can point the way to living a victorious life and just like Jesus, I can only watch when those who hear the good news refuse to enter in.  I can rejoice in what Jesus has done for me and I can be saddened by those who, living in this world, will face sickness and death without Christ. 

            Because I accepted Christ's invitation and rejected the kingdom of the world, I have joy.  I have joy because Christ lives in my heart.  I have joy because my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.  I have joy because God is my Father.  I have joy because I have worked out my salvation.  I have joy because I am just and I live by faith.  I have joy because God watches over me, guides me, and protects me.  I have joy because I am filled and led by the Spirit of God and am a son of God.  I have joy because I have eternal life.  I have joy because in some way I help others to experience the joy that God has given me.

            How do you have joy living in this world of sin, darkness, pain. And death?  By having a relationship with God.  Like Jesus some will accept the invitation and many will refuse.  But because Christ dwells in my heart by faith, I live with joy even though I am not in heaven yet, I have peace, love, and joy.  I am a son of God and no matter what lies ahead in this world, Jesus has prepared a place for me and I will live with God eternally.  Is there anything better than that?  I think not.

            Ask Jesus into your heart and accept the invitation.  Enter the kingdom that is not of this world and ultimately you will have joy too.

amen