Chuck Bridges Blog

As I was eating lunch today my thoughts continued to be on the people who lost their lives in another senseless shooting in a mall in Nebraska. Then I thought about the mother of 3 here in Greenville who is missing (and her status does not look good). Each day we hear about viscious crimes of mankind against fellow human beings. Then, there is the ongoing loss of life in the War against Terror!

The primary thought that hit my mind as I was chewing my cornbread and black-eyed peas was how unaffected my emotions were when I heard about another mass killing in a mall. This made me wonder about the state of my emotions — my heart — my compassion! What does it say about me to know that I can read about these terrible, life-altering tragedies and then just go about my daily responsibilities? I mean, shouldn’t I be broken? Shouldn’t I be upset? Shouldn’t I at least lose my appetite???

As these thoughts infiltrated the serenity of my lunch break one word seemed to be boldly stamped on my heart that ushered in a calm and peace that is hard to describe. That word is used a great deal in this Holiday season but I wonder how often we really grasp its meaning. O, in case you’re wondering, the word that brought calm to my heart in the midst of terrifying events is JOY. Before you discount me as some kind of weirdo hear me out.

There is a source of inner strength and power that is foreign to most people today. While it is no secret that the strength comes from Jesus Christ, it is a mystery why so many people who admit to having a personal relationship with Christ have not “learned” about the sustaining power of JOY. JOY is sometimes confused with happiness. I am certainly not happy about all the pain and suffering in this world. But, even though things look bad, I am filled with JOY. It brings peace to my heart that, no matter what happens, I can still look up and be thankful.

Granted, if me or someone close to me were affected by one of these senseless shootings, my heart would be gripped with grief. But, even in times of death, I can assure you that this JOY is activated and is sufficient to keep our outlook positive. You see, this world is only a temporary stopping place on our way to our real destination — the place where God created us to live!

While I do believe we have become desensitized to the merciless killings in our world and should be moved more deeply by the pain we know people are now enduring, I also know that JOY will be able to sustain us and guard our inner souls in the event that such a tragedy strikes us. One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Nehemiah 8:10: “The JOY of the Lord is my strength!” I hope you can find this JOY — ushered in on that first Christmas and still available today!

JOY to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!