Very Joyous Indeed

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
VERY JOYOUS INDEED
Prov 10:28
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
NIV
Once again I most deal with the comparison between me and those others. Is that a presumption that I am the righteous? I think not, as Jesus Christ is my righteousness and those who are considered the wicked have not yet come to that conclusion. They are in a hopeless state of affairs as they have either not heard about Jesus or have determined to attempt to live in denial of his authority. In either case all they could hope for in this life will come to nothing because it is absolutely meaningless in gaining eternal life in the everlasting presence of God within the new city of Jerusalem, his paradise. All their hopes and dreams, all their wealth and power, all their deeds whether good or bad, will mean nothing as the grave welcomes them, for they shall not be ushered into his paradise. I, on the other hand, alone with all my fellow believers who are considered the righteous have our hearts filled with joy for we know what awaits us at the conclusion of this portion of our lives. My prospects are great, they are the greatest of all things, far greater than anything this world with all its trappings could ever offer. What greater joy could I ever experience in my entire life than to hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into my rest” and walk into the paradise of God. That is where I will rejoice with all those who have preceded me, and will await those who will follow me. What joy will fill my heart when I embrace once again those of my family, my wife, daughters, granddaughters, sons-in law, and who knows how many great grandchildren will follow in my footsteps? What joy will fill my heart to see those believers who touched my life, which helped me to grow, who mentored me as well as those who I have influenced toward God, and have mentored and helped them grow in their faith? Yes, my prospects are very joyous, very joyous indeed!