Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Joy, and her friend happiness, are so very different.
Joy transcends circumstances and goes beyond the now…
Happiness lives in the moment and comes and goes with its whims.
Joy resides deep within, and originates from the core of who we are…
Happiness resides in the circumstance, whatever it may be.
Joy is from the root of who we have decided to be…a thankful people…
But happiness depends on the situation.
Selfishly, she’s never sure if she’s going to show up.
She only arrives when there is a reward…the only payoff worthy of her presence.
Oh…but joy…
A supernatural gift, from a supernatural God.
From Him, whom we derive our purpose and strength.
Happiness happens to you, but joy comes from Him, through you.
Joy bubbles up and spills over in the unlikeliest of situations…she shows up even in the most difficult dilemmas, because her source is Him…He who is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipowerful…and her presence is independent of circumstances.
Joy…sweet joy!
Fruit from Him.
Fruit we can bear.
Fruit that shows up anyway…
No matter the dividend,
No matter the reward,
Regardless if there’s anything to be had,
or any benefit to be gained…
Joy serves, and contagiously spreads to those who choose the gift of her.
Psalm 63:4-5 So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied…and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
May we choose joy today being satisfied in Him, and may we offer Him praise with our joyful lips, no matter our circumstance!
How are you choosing joy today?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not, with the prompt she gives.
And today, inspired by her sweet friend Sara Frankl (Gitz), who chose joy and praise despite her circumstances and is this day very close to meeting Jesus face to face, her prompt: Joy…
Choosing joy with you today my friend!