The Gift of Joy

This morning I woke up with a real sense of joy in my heart. The weather is beautiful here and it's my favorite time of year to live in Colorado. The leaves are still changing beautifully, Pike's Peak is covered in snow and the skies are the most beautiful shade of blue. It is really breathtaking! Also, the peace of God has remained with me and for that I am so thankful.

Having true joy is real gift. I meet people all the time who haven't experienced joy in decades. I think they've even forgotten what real joy truly is. I can always tell by the way they express themselves or share their life experiences that sadly, joy is missing.

There can be many things in life that attempt to rob our joy. Circumstances, relationships, disappointments, tragedy and unexpected news can all be areas where our joy can slowly drain away. I'm not suggesting that when we go through trials that we need to have a fake smile attitude and pretend that life is grand when it's not. That's not joy or happiness! It's unauthentic at best.

Joy is a deep undercurrent in our heart that continues to run no matter what circumstances we are facing. Joy is the realization that no matter what happens in our lives, God is in control and loves us and for that we can be thankful. I believe thankfulness and joy are related. No matter what else is going on around us, we can always find something for which to be thankful.

Happiness can be temporary. If ever you've raised a teenage daughter, you've seen happiness come and go rather quickly! Our daughter, Jessica was such a joy as a teenager (and still is today). Being the only girl in our family, she introduced us to the drama that only teenage girls experience! One moment, life would be great, terrific and amazing! Ten seconds later, the world was about to end due to a life-altering situation involving who is wearing what dress to prom! If we allowed ourselves, we could have also taken a ride on the hormonal roller coaster and based our family's overall happiness by the ever-changing drama of the cheer leading squad. Happiness comes and goes and can be as hormonal as a teenager.

If joy were a deep well, then happiness would be a rain puddle. We can continually to draw from a deep well, but a rain puddle comes and goes along with the weather. I want to be a person of real, deep joy in knowing that God is always working on my behalf for good and continue to have a thankful heart.- no matter what.

The Bible has many scriptures on joy! The word "joy" in the Bible is mentioned 165 times and the word "thank" is used 114 times. Here are a few of the rich scriptures based on the word "joy".

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. Psalm 16: 9

O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning [now, before we are older], that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. Psalm 4:7

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad! Psalm 126:3

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalm 5:11

Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 16: 27

Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 1 Chronicles 16: 31

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. Zephaniah 3: 17

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always).
1 Thessalonians 5: 16

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16: 11

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
Psalm 33: 1

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.
Psalm 33: 3

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.
Romans 5: 3

Have a joy-filled day!
Stephanie
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Stephanie Henderson

www.stephaniehendersonministries.com