Joy

 This week we begin worship with:

Isaiah 65:17-18

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 

But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.

When one sees the beauty of this earth, one wishes to preserve it.  Hiking one leaves the campsite better than one finds it.  At home you wish to build and preserve a legacy.  This desire to preserve brings with it the fear of loss from the truth of its temporal nature.  

But we are soon to be relieved of this burden, when all these former things will be replaced and instead of fear there will be joy, for God is our sustainer:

Hebrews 1:3
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,