Those of you who have read previous TFTDs that I have submitted will know that my son has a dog named Bill, who we are often called upon to look after. Three weeks ago we were reeling (some people were) from England having been defeated by Spain in the Football European Championships. My son flew out to Berlin with his mates to watch the match and his wife and Bill were left at home to watch on the TV.
Sadly the result did not go the way we had hoped, and Bill will have to save his new jumper for another day!
Imagine what it would have been like if had have won! Bill might have had a more cheerful expression! Celebrations long into the night, much (more) beer drunk probably, fans screaming with delight into TV cameras, etc etc.
But it was not to be.
Fans had to return home, back to work the next day.
Even if England had won, the celebrations would have been short lived in the grand scheme of things. The joy would have given way to getting on with life. Either way the score had gone, I expect we would all have forgotten about it by now, three weeks later.
The joy that we can have in knowing Christ does not run out, is not short lived, and is not part of the “lottery” of a football match. That joy is certain, is guaranteed, and we can wear that joy with pride, so that others can see what a change it can bring about, even to dejected football fans!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that through Jesus we can be filled with the sense of joy that never fades, and is not dependent on anyone except ourselves. May we accept you into our lives and experience that joy that knowing you guarantees. May our lives reflect that joy so that others want to share in it to. AMEN