Adding Joy to Someone's Life.

Isaiah 61:1-3
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

It's the third week of Advent which is all about joy.

I heard a story a while ago of an elderly man who always had an oil can with him. He never left without it. If he noticed a door that was squeaky he would put oil on the hinges. Whatever this man did, he always made things easier for others.

How many times do we run into people who are really struggling? Sometimes it's our job to help someone out. Many times we can either worsen one's problems by avoiding them and just making them feel horrible or we can apply oil on their lives by giving them the joy of Christ.

We know ourselves that sometimes we feel like giving up. At times, we can feel like life is defeating us. If we add one or two drops of "oil" (joy) into one's life, that can go along way in giving them more hope.

Think about the reason why we have the Holy Spirit of God exists. The Holy Spirit is within us so that we can bless others. Be ready to apply God's oil to restore the joy of those who are struggling.