A Jolt of JoySample

One day, during college, I had a very intimidating appointment with the provost of the Christian university that I attended. I had requested to change my major rather late in my college career, and this great man wanted to make sure that I knew the impact it might have on my ability to graduate on time. His secretary called the phone in my dorm room and notified me of the day and time that I was to arrive. As I walked up to the sixth floor of the academic building, my mouth was dry, I was sick to my stomach and my knees were loudly knocking. What was I thinking?! How could I presume to make a decision so foolish that the provost was calling me to his personal office?! When I reached the sequestered area of the building where this great man worked, his secretary escorted me into his prestigious office. She informed me that he would be in shortly and I could have a seat. As I looked around his office that day, I saw certificates and diplomas from some of the most celebrated institutions of higher learning of the day. He had earned more academic degrees in his singular life time than my entire family, including aunts, uncles and cousins, had ever even thought of earning! But the framed picture that captivated me was not a diploma nor was it a certificate. It was not a picture of the provost shaking hands with a statesmen or a scholar. The picture that sent a thrill to the deepest part of my heart was a picture of Jesus ... with His head thrown back in laughter and a contagious smile spread from ear to ear. Underneath this picture was the scripture, "Your God rejoices over you!" Did you realize that joy is one of the grand attributes of God Himself? Joy is an integral part of the character of God. There is a deep delight in all that He does and a genuine enthusiasm in everything that He undertakes. What is it that causes God to be filled with joy? The answer will humble you ... you are what fills the God of the universe with joy! God rejoices over you just as a young bridegroom rejoices over his precious bride. God is so glad to have a relationship with you that He is found singing over you!