Thought for the week by Barbara Garry: Whatever life throws at us, we can all cope

We all like to be happy. We often say of our family members '˜As long as they are happy''¦. Sometimes it takes very little to make us happy. Simple pleasures, that often don't '¨cost any money, like a day at the beach or a walk in the countryside. Our neighbours popping in for a cup of tea and of course the obligatory piece of cake!

Our children are a source of joy most of the time! Of course they have their moments but it is a delight to see them grow, do well at school and become useful members of society.

At this time of the year our gardens give us pleasure as we see the spring flowers and new leaves coming on the trees.

When we are joyful we are usually carefree and in the bible we read ‘Cast your care (your anxieties) on Him (Jesus) for he cares for you’. 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7.

So we can see that by casting our care on Jesus we can be joyful.

We also read in John Chapter 10 verse 10 ‘I have come that they (us) may have life and have it to the full’.

In another version it says ‘ I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance ( to the full, till it overflows). Amplified version.

What a promise that as we give our cares to God we can enjoy life to the full.

So we can be joyful and Jesus’ joy never leaves us when we trust in Him. This doesn’t mean that we jump out if bed each morning laughing with joy, but it is a deep down joy and appreciation of life that whatever life throws at us we can cope, as we cast our cares on Him.

Have a joyful, peaceful  day.