Enter His Joy

Enter His Joy

by Sharon Davis

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master’”

(Matthew 25:21, NASB).

 

Wow, another post on social media celebrates the writing success of an acquaintance.  I celebrate, too. I’m genuinely happy for them. But at the same time, I’m a little bummed. Not because of their accomplishment, but due to my nonachievement. When will it be my turn? Or will it? Discouragement and depression rear their ugly heads.

Once I take my focus off the work and affix it to myself, excuses form. I’m not a writer. I have other more pressing things to do. I can’t write anything because of my past mistakes. I am unqualified. Nobody wants to read what I write. It’s not any good or someone would want to publish it.

I argue about his calling based on my feelings, a recipe for uselessness.

The Bible shares the story of three servants who received from their master, according to their abilities, five, two, and one talent. When the master returned, the first two servants had doubled their allotments. What was the master’s response? “…enter the joy of your master.” The third servant hid his talent and never put it to work. He missed the invitation into the joy of the master.

What about me? Do I focus more on what someone else does with their talents, or investing mine? Much like the servants, everything I have—talent, motivation, time, etc.—comes from my Lord.  Am I using his gift? Do I doubt my talents are good enough or do I trust he knows what he is doing? Worry leads to inactivity and ultimately idleness.

Next time I read of someone’s success, I pray I’ll celebrate with them and refute the instant negativity. Remember my blessings and employ the Lord’s gifts. Trust his hand. And enter my master’s joy.

Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you give. May I never waste time in worrying how you gift others but celebrate every good and perfect gift. Amen.

 

A retired pharmacist, Sharon Davis enjoys writing and grandchildren. She loves writing devotions, fiction, and children’s books. Her work may be found at christiandevotions.us, in two eBooks (When Life Gives You Lemons and A Memoir of Mothers), and in an upcoming devotional, Abba’s Lessons. You can connect with her at sharondaviswriter.com and at hello@sharondaviswriter.com.