Summary: A lot of people are very sad these days. As followers of Christ, we can make a difference for those who are depressed. We can shine a light of joy and peace in places of sadness and turmoil. We can do all these things and reach our world, but only if we really are joyful ourselves. How can we offer others hope if we aren't living a hope-filled life? How can we offer others peace if we aren't peaceful?You may have heard of George Mueller. He's a great hero of the faith who spent much of his life running orphanages in England. He was an evangelist and a man of prayer, and he witnessed many miracles in his lifetime of ministry. He could have been sad many times. He sacrificed much in his efforts to pursue God's calling. But he was often quoted as saying that his first duty of every day was to be "happy in the Lord". What an inspiration Mueller's words are! Psalm 68 says, "May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Are you happy in the Lord? Spend time in prayer and God's Word each day so you can find your true happiness and peace in Him- only then can you effectively reach your world.
