Where is the Joy?

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“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you believe in him; and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” - 1 Peter 1:8

  During times of worry and discontent, I have often heard it say “remain fast, for the joy comes in the morning”.  What do you do when you wake up in the morning and joy is once again absent?  Hmmm…can you imagine; have you been there; are you there right now?  The world is revolving, people come and people go; walking past you as if you don’t even exist.  Life at times seems monotonous and more of a ritual than an adventure, and you feel stuck.  Where is the joy in that situation?  Bah humbug.  Face it there are times when you are more of a Scrooge than a Bob Cratchit (“A Christmas Carol”, Charles Dickens, 1843). 

It’s amazing to me how quick we are to focus on the negatives in life and skip right passed the daily blessings that we are given.  Many are looking for instantaneous pleasure and happiness.  The problem is that these are often fleeting and difficult to hold on to, leaving the person feeling at loss after a short period.  There is no doubt that life in the 21st century has it’s challenges and complexities.  When we dwell upon them our joy is stolen right out from under us.  So, the questions remain, how can we find the fruit of the Spirit for joy in a world so wrapped up in evil?

Ultimate joy in life can only come from one source, and it is not the lottery, nor the refrigerator, nor the beach or the mountains.  These all create an emotional response of happiness and joy, but lack the infinite quality of timelessness.  Relaxing at the Cruise Bar on the Quay in Sydney, Australia, watching the ships at dusk with the Opera House in the background and then taking in the unbelievable sights around the city, one could say, “ahh…now that’s joy.”  They would be correct.  It’s beautiful, it fills the mind with happiness, contentment and peace.  Then nightfall comes, and then the next morning.  A jog along that same path reveals the trash along the side of the road, the homeless sleeping in the alleys and a fog hanging over the harbor.  Hmmm, not quite the same joyful experience. 

The answer is obvious and you’ve gotten there before I could even give it to you.  Of course, I’m referring to the love of the Lord and taking a Godly perspective on life.  Consistent and true joy can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ and focusing on the blessings He has given you each and every day.  There will never come a day, in this life, when all of your troubles are gone.  If you are waiting for that miraculous event to take place, I’m afraid the rapture will be your miracle.  That is where true joy stems from.  For though we are suffering with pains and struggles today, a focus on eternity and God’s love will quickly help you to re-prioritize your thinking.  As Christ tells us in John 16:22, “…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”  A promise from the Savior of the world, is a promise you can take to the bank.  Right it on your heart, paste it to your bathroom mirror and remind yourself every time you sense depression coming, that Christ died for your sins and you are destined for eternity with Him one day.  Don’t allow this world to steal your joy, for you are a child of God.  Live like it.

PRAYER:

Precious Father,

  We seek the joy of Your Son in our life. Grant us the peace of knowledge and confidence to see through the daily struggles of each day. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit to calm our anxieties and consistently ground us in Your light. For it is only through You that we can find true joy in life. Amen
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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