TINY BUBBLES IN THE RAIN

There’s something about bubbles. Whether they’re as large as a beach ball or small as a pinhead, they can bring a smile. The joy of the Lord is like a gigantic bubble that can break through the rains of life we face—when we allow it. Let’s not hinder God’s joy in Christ to rise up in us. Others need to see Christ in us.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

Bubbles of joy

           

During a walk along a gravel road one time, I saw the frost coming out of the ground. In a low spot, bubbles appeared through tiny holes in the gravel. Some came to the surface one at a time, slowly growing in size until they burst. Others flowed upward like frothy egg whites, piling on top of each other as if to escape the cold frost beneath them.

What a joy to behold! The surprising sight was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The bubbles reminded me of some new believers in Christ, whose hearts were hard as frost until they accepted Him into their lives and then burst forth in bubbles of joy. Many people testify to having been frozen in bitterness, anger, or other crippling strongholds and then turning to the only One who is able to thaw their hearts. Made new, they become so joy-filled that they are compelled to share their happiness with others.

In the far north, frost never does reach the surface of the ground. Some hearts are like permafrost, so hard that nothing can penetrate the darkness. They miss the joy that God offers them, staying frozen in bitterness and anger. They aren’t willing to break through the darkness of sin and choose to allow God’s joy to bubble forth in their lives.

Believing in God is a matter of choice. Right behind faith, joy is waiting on the surface ready to bubble through our whole being. If we think of all the happy moments we've experienced, the greatest moments in our lives, they can't begin to compare to that of choosing Christ as our Savior and Lord. "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)

Furthermore, Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) Joy that comes from new life in Christ begins as a bubble that bursts forth as a river hard to contain.

Lord, we gladly choose to accept Your thawing love and grace so we can experience that inexpressible and glorious joy You desire for us. We humbly ask this in the Name of Jesus, who gives abounding joy. Amen.