So do you mind if I ask you, is the life you’re leading a life that’s truly worth living? Are you filled with a sense of joy that you just can’t put into words? Or is it something … less than that?

Now, perhaps you think that’s unfair because life has its challenges, and maybe you’re facing some today.

But can I tell you, even in the darkest days of my life, amidst great betrayal and pain, with tears streaming down my face, there was a joy in my heart – the joy of the Lord. I look back on those times, and though I wouldn’t wish them upon my worst enemy, I wouldn’t trade them for all the tea in China.

I’d just given my life to Jesus back then, deciding to turn away from the sin in my life – a work still very much in progress – and live my life for Him.

Romans 6:12-14 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (ESV)

The thing that had happened to me was that I’d been brought from death to life. I’d started using my gifts and abilities for Him … albeit about as well as a toddler just taking his first steps. Nevertheless, it’s called ‘being alive to God’, and there ain’t nothing quite like it!

May the grace of God fill your heart with a joy unspeakable.

That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.