Got joy? There were many years that I did not have joy. I tried to fill my life with things but things will never bring you lasting joy. I had to remember that the things of this world are temporary and it is not our joy, but His joy that is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10 “……Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
King David did not always experience joy. The book of Psalms is full of him crying out to the Lord. But David found that in God’s presence was the fullness of joy. Joy was not found in himself but in God. Psalm 16:11 “…..you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Joy is also one of the fruits of the Spirit. It isn’t something we do, but something we can ask to be given. It is God’s gift to us. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
In our lives we experience difficult moments. The scriptures tell us that even Jesus wept, and there is no sin in weeping. “…..weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
May you, along with me, ask God to restore your joy.
Remember, apart from God’s presence, there is no joy! (K Schultz)
