JOY-EITHER YOU SEE IT OR DON'T

Have you ever been in a situation where maybe you thought someone was the right person for something? The something being, a partner, a co-worker, job...something like that.  You may have not done the research and just backed the person without really knowing.  There is those that just believe they are right for the job and those that really look into it and say, nope they are wrong. In some cases one may stand alone knowing its wrong and handful of others believe they are right, But if you really looked into it and know it's wrong, and try to fix it and realize you can not, the person or persons who didn't check it out still want them in the job...you have to wait till they quit the job or get moved, or with a relationship you have to set boundaries. Sometimes other may see it first and begin to warn you or help you to see, but the truth is you either you see or don't!

I think you get the picture, it's complicated!

I have been on a journey through the bible find studying the word JOY.

Let me explain by looking at the next sighting of JOY-

Judges 9;19 "if then you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today, may Abimelech be your joy, and may you be his, too!"

A quick back track to the story. (ask google to pronounce Abimelech) 

Gideon had just told the Israelites, "I will not rule over you. The Lord will rule over you." Judge 8:23 

The Israelites wanted a ruler. Abimelech, the not so good son of Jerub-Baal, who is the son of Gideon who said he will not rule and then dies, takes it upon himself to kill all 70 children of Jerub-Baal and he becomes ruler. The people of Shechem go along with this disgrace, because their desire for a king out weighs just seeking and listening to God.  The people wanted  a leader and overlooked a bad guy just to get the job done. Plus Abimelech fooled them into believing in him. The people did not see!

Guess what? God is not a puppeteer, he gives us free will! 

One of the seventy, Jotham, escapes and lives, he knows Abimelech is bad. He almost got killed like his brothers. He then goes to a mountaintop and yells out a warning, "Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. Have you acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelech king? Have you been fair? Remember that my father fought for you and risked his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian. But today you have revolted against my father's family. You have murdered his seventy sons on a single stone and have made Abimelech, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you.  But if thats what you want, my he be your JOY!" Judges 9:7-20

He shouts out a parable with the meaning of warning them it won't be good if they stay with Abimelech, and finishes with, "if that's what you want, may he be your JOY!" Jotham escapes his brother and for three years Abimelech governs over Israel. After THREE YEARS, God goes on to send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who act treacherously against Abimelech. God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal and His sons might be avenged and on the citizens of Shechem, who had help him murder the brothers. Abimelech dies in the ambush.

Why am I telling you this? When we wait on the Lord, have a right relationship with God you SEE IT! 

You see what's wrong and you are able to escape just as Jotham did. In fact we are taught when Jesus comes on the scene.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But When you are tempted, He will provide a way of escape, so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV  He provides! Trust God with a situation, when you can't convince others it's wrong. You see it, but they don't. You have to give it to God. He has to take care of it. 

My opening thought, either you see it or don't. It is a right relationship with Christ that you see what is going on and He will help you get through it or with stand it.

Let's pray: Father I am so blessed to be near you, open my eyes and ears to be aware of what is going on and let me believe, have confidence and boldness to stand firm. My JOY is complete. Amen

With Christ, you are complete! He is enough to see you through hard times. He will control and he says vengeance is mine. He can handle it, will you give it over to him and gain true JOY. God teaches the seeing while you wait for things to be made right.