The Joy of Good News!

   With an ice storm coming, the weather report cautioned those of us living in the Detroit area that we might have power outages. Sure enough, it happened on Sunday afternoon, not only just to our immediate neighborhood, but also to many nearby communities. Ice was building up on the power lines and coupled with strong gusts of wind, the lines were falling everywhere.

   The outside temperature started dropping rapidly after dark. Al and I were very thankful for the gas stove and also for the gas log in the fireplace. Although we were fairly comfortable for two days, it was wonderful when the power was finally restored. The call from the company notifying us that the problem had been fixed was received with great joy!

   There have also been several other times recently that we have received good news—in fact, three times all in one week. First, our two dogs, Teddy and TJ, managed to escape through the gate, with me trying to chase after them in my open-backed slippers. By the time I reached our front yard, they had already crossed the busy street and had disappeared behind a neighbor’s house, unresponsive to my calls.

   Frightened, I went all of the way down to the corner before going back to get Al. We had a better chance of finding them by driving around the block in our car. They were fast runners!

   Al was waiting for me in the driveway and I hurriedly tried to explain what had happened, while going to find my shoes before the dogs got too far away. Suddenly I heard him calling out my name excitedly. “Get some treats fast! They’re right across the street.”

   By the time I got outside with the treats, the runaways were standing in the driveway, wagging their tails and being patted by Al. I hoped they wouldn’t associate the treats with running away, but sure was glad to see them home again. It was the first time that they have ever returned home on their own after getting a taste of freedom! What a relief! What wonderful news!

   Then there was the elation felt after finding my lost necklace. I had been searching around the house for my gold cross and chain for about two weeks. My last memory was taking it off and putting it in my pocket with the intention of returning the necklace to its proper place. Evidently that never happened. Had it been taken out with the trash? Lots of things seem to end up there accidentally!

   Finally, after determining to turn it completely over to the Lord and stop worrying about it, I went back to my jewelry box one last time. As soon as the lid was opened, I spotted the necklace. The lost was found! Hurray...and thank you Lord! I could hardly wait to share the exciting news with Al when he got home that afternoon.

   The third bit of good news came during a phone call from a very close friend of ours who shared something positive that was happening in his life. “You’ve made my heart happy,” I said. Yes, that is what good news does!

   Since Al wasn’t home at the time of the call, we phoned him back the next day and talked more at length about decisions being made and progress taking place. Happy wasn’t really the right word. My heart was full of joy!

   How wonderful it is hearing about positive things! If you haven’t heard any recently, here is some good news for you: Jesus died on the cross and rose again, bearing the burden of and paying the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Him, we are forgiven—set free to live new lives and to be changed into God’s likeness. Really, it’s the best news yet! Thank God for His grace, mercy and His amazing love!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30 NIV

“‘The time has come,’ he said, ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’” Mark 1:18 NIV