Words of Hope: Good News
In my devotional, I was feeling sad when I opened an advent book by one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen. In the front of the book I discovered a note from my dad Very briefly he wrote:
“Pure Joy!
Thank you
Love forever.”
What an incredible message from my beloved dad. What does pure joy mean? For Dad it is always connect to scripture and especially James chapter 1:2. “Consider it pure joy my brethren when you encounter trials of various kinds!”
Dad is continuing to encourage me even after his death. He is reminding me that whatever difficulty or trial I face, to thank God and consider it pure joy!
How light everything becomes with this reminder. What feels heavy, immediately becomes weightless and light. Hope, delight, good news!
This is the message of Jesus. This is the inspiring message of the gospel!
“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
