JOY

What do you think of when you think of joy?

Many times we confuse happiness and joy as the same thing. The problem is that happiness is an emotion and like other emotions comes and goes as the mood strikes.

But joy...is a knowledge of in whom your life belongs. Joy is the place of fellowship with the Father where no matter what we face, He has us in His hand.

Psalm 5:11-Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy because Thou defends them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. KJV

He becomes our strength and His presence is constant. This joy grows the closer we get to Him.

One of the most wonderful joys you can experience with the Lord is true service to someone in need. Service to others is commanded by Jesus--not because of some rule but because servanthood is the expression of real love. It is the kind of love that God gives us.

Is it always pretty--no. Is it always easy--no. Can it be heart breaking--yes. Can it be glorious--yes. However, the joy of knowing you gave as a lover of Jesus and then watching those you serve smile--priceless.

Consider the joy of living for Jesus. Would you trade this for any other thing in this world? The more we follow Jesus, the more we see the joy of Him. May we all have the presence to choose joy because God is in control.