What About Joy?

Joy is an elusive reality to grasp. Happiness is obvious. Fun is contagious. Delight is infectious. Momentary pleasure is fleeting. All of these qualities are seen in one’s countenance, composure and body language. They tend not to coexist with their polar opposites. However, joy is different. Joy and sorrow intermingle. Joy thrives in a hostile environment. Joy isn’t always recognizable in physical appearance. Tears do not rob joy of it’s vision. Joy endures, it sustains, it gives purpose. Joy leads you by the hand to the glory of God.

Pure joy is unique to the Christian because it is the Spirit’s fruit. Joy transcends the moment and extends into eternity. Joy rescues us from sadness, even when the sadness remains. Joy fuels hope. Joy is an evidence that you are never truly lost. Joy paves the way for love, even in times of hurt. Joy points to the reality of God. Joy gives evidence that what is unseen outweighs the seen. Joy carries you to life even in the pain of death.

Joy exceeds your expectations. Cry out for joy. Joy motivated your savior to endure the cross so you could know life.

Happiness, fun, delight, the pleasure of the moment can all be good things, things worth living for. But God has more for you and your children. He has joy that transcends our light momentary afflictions as well as our light and monetary pleasures. It is joy that catches our hearts and takes us through the muck of life and leads us home to Christ.

Shepherd Press