John the Baptist - A Lesson in Maintaining Joy

DO YOU long for a congregation assignment that is currently  out of reach for you?  Perhaps it is a responsibility that is enjoyed by someone else. Or maybe it is a service assignment, or privilege, that you once took care of.  However, age,  poor health, economic hardship, or family responsibilities  now limit what you can do. Or it could be that you have gad ti give up a long-held responsibility because of organizational changes.  Regardless of the reason, you may feel that you are not doing all you would like to do in God's service.  In such situations, it is understandably that you may at times, feel disappointment. Even so, how can you keep negative emotions-such as  discouragement, bitterness, or resentment - from taking root?  How can you maintain your joy?

We can learn a lesson in maintaining joy by considering the example of John the Baptist.  John enjoyed outstanding privileges, yet he likely  expected his life in Jehovah's service to work out differently from what it did.  He may have imagined that he would spend more time in jail than he did his ministry.  Still, John continued to be joyful, and he maintained that attitude for the rest of his life.  What helped him?  And how can we retain our joy even when we face disappointments?

Next time: John the Baptist - A Lesson in Maintaining Joy - A JOYFUL ASSIGNMENT

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