300 West South Street, P.O. Box 347
Kirkland, Illinois 60146
Phone 815-522-3546
Morning Worship 9:30
Sunday School 9:30
Fax 815-522-3547
Map to the Church
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LINKS
Northern Illinois
General Board of
Board of Global
Confessing 
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As we study the Fruits of the Spirit this year, the fruit for the month of October is joy. What comes to mind as you think about joy? Joy is more than just a feeling of happiness. It is more than just being able to laugh at some happening or saying which you find funny. Joy is a deeper level of satisfying delight. Joy is not based on circumstances or any current input. Joy is a feeling which can well up within because there is an assurance which is deeper than the current circumstances.
Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy that was set before him. He knew the relationship that he had with his Father and the relationship which would be restored with those of us who would believe in him. Joy comes from relationships. A woman may feel joy at seeing her child even as she may still be in pain from giving birth. A new relationship has come into her life. God knew that joy could carry people through the worst of circumstances. Many people have testified that as they were in a hard place, even the place of torture, they would remember a place which brought them joy, or a person who brought them joy, and it would help them through. Therefore Jesus promised us joy in our relationship with him. Our relationship with him would carry us through many hard times. Paul will remind people to rejoice in the Lord. The Psalmist tells that even as he may feel in the deepest pit or walking through a dark time, the memories of his relationship with God, the various aspects of God which had impacted his life or those of whom he knew, would carry him through. He could have joy in the midst of the hard times. Weeping may last for a night, the Psalmist says, but joy comes in the morning. God is sad when people do not treat people with the love and care they should have. He cries with us and on our behalf when we are facing hard times. Jesus cried over Jerusalem. Jesus cried with people who were responding to death. Yet, in the midst of all that we go through, his presence can bring us joy, as the Psalmist states again and again. Being in relationship with God, being surrounded by his presence, brings joy. Zephaniah 3:17 even states that our relationship with God causes such joy for him that he dances because of us and he exults with loud singing. If you could imagine the celebration which would take place if the Cubs won the World Series, it will be nothing like the joy God experiences because of our relationship with him. God wanted it so much that he sent his Son so that the relationship between he and us could be restored. If you can imagine a child, like in the story known as the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, being restored to a parent, it gives an example of the joy that ensues. I even get tears of joy when I heat of it happening in our modem times. Joy is a wonderful feeling to have. It sustains us through so much. With our relationship with God, joy grows like a fruit in our lives and brings nourishment and refreshment to others. Continue to be nourished and grow in your relationship with God so that you can experience the Fruit of the Spirit — joy. Pastor Marie Pastor Marie Carlson assumed her duties in Kirkland on July 1, 2008. She graduated from North Park College in Chicago and served pastorates in Warren and Hampshire before being appointed to Kirkland. She and her husband David have two sons, Jed (15) and Isaac (12). |
Parents may feel joy watching the antics of their child. An older person may feel joy as a child gives a dandelion because a relationship has been acknowledged. Friends may feel joy as they share an experience together, knowing they did not have to experience it alone.