I was filled with JOY when I found a way out. Here’s the story.
Before Cypress Creek Church’s Christmas Eve-Eve services, I decided to take a long hike at the Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos. I parked my truck, took a quick glance at the map posted at the Upper Trailhead, picked a desirable route, and headed out. My hike was to be about 4.5 miles—perfect for a cool day. Long story short, the trail that I picked didn’t return me to the Upper Trailhead parking lot, but the Lower Trailhead parking lot. I was not a happy camper (hiker, actually). Did I mention I didn’t bring any water with me? Minor detail. So, I returned to the trail only to discover that I’d need to make my own way out to save a lot of backtracking. I did just that. Crawling through the barbed wire fence (illegal, I’m sure), I walked at least one mile back to my starting point on the motorist-filled road. My much-desired 4.5-mile hike was extended by at least two additional miles. JOY!
Life can be described as a long hike filled with slippery spots, steep inclines, breathtaking vistas, adventure, accomplishments, miscalculations, wrong turns, and a need for hydration. As we journey, we really can choose JOY, and here’s why (based on Romans 8).
A believer of Christ is no longer under condemnation. Eternity is a reality because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. God is working in our lives. God is with us (“Immanuel”).
God has provided a way out. Choose JOY!