I Chronicles 12:40b “There was joy indeed in Israel.”

After a long reign by Saul, the first king of Israel, David is now king. He had been anointed years earlier by Samuel, who was now dead, but had to wait until the Lord allowed Saul to be removed. Saul and his sons were dead. Long live the king (David)!

A NEW KING

Then the last part of verse 40 says, “There was joy indeed in Israel.” Why? Because they had a new king whom the people loved. They had total confidence in David, well at least those whom supported him. It took a few years for all the kingdom to come up under David.

Aren’t you glad your joy doesn’t depend on a new king? Every Presidential race raises the hopes of each candidate’s supporters. They get out and campaign for their “man” or “woman” telling everyone who will listen why their candidate is the ONLY choice for the nation. But in the end, only one will win. Those supporters will be happy, but the loser’s supporters will be sad. No joy!

TEACHING MOMENT

How can we show our children the futility of circumstantial joy? Why is it important to point them to the true source of joy? When we teach our children that Jesus is the only source of joy they need, then that joy will stay with them through WHATEVER they go through in life. When they have all the friends they need or when they have no friends, their joy rests in Jesus. When that boyfriend or girlfriend dumps them, their joy rests in Jesus. When they have to move to a new school and start all over, their joy rests in Jesus.

How do you, Mom and Dad, reflect the joy of Jesus to your children? Do they see you living joyously in your life circumstances? When you don’t get that job you wanted, do they see joy? When someone cuts you off in traffic, do they see joy? When hard times come (and they will) do they see joy in your response?

Live joyously, not for yourselves alone, but for the sake of your children and for the sake of others who are watching you. In everything you face, point others to Jesus through joy.