'And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."'
Heb 12:2
'...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' (NKJV)
Joy is not just feeling happy, which is quite transitory, really, and depends on whether we're having a good day. Joy is actually a powerful force which is way stronger than fear. I think joy and hope go hand in hand; they see the future and know the end of the story.'Mindfulness' has helped some people because it helps them focus on the positive rather than the negative, but Christian hope, which carries joy in its arms, is like a bouncer at the door to our hearts, stronger than any opposing force.
"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"...... These famous words of Gandalf to the evil Balrog in the 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R.Tolkein, are an excellent picture: his staff, which he holds between himself and the monster represents our hope and our joy which the monster 'fear' cannot pass through.
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