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JOY

As I was studying the theme of joy that is threaded throughout Scripture, I came across something I never realized before that I think many of us will be encouraged to hear. Throughout the Bible, the most intense joy described is often located near a significant point of despair. It also is the one thing that makes all else pale in comparison. JOY is seemingly the key to eternal perspective--it is HOPE for what really matters. Joy is possible because of the hope that we have anchored in Jesus, and His victory that is ours by birthright. In JOY we have a tiny taste of heaven—of what our souls were created to dwell in. 

Joy makes circumstances endurable, trials worth sustaining., good things better. Joy is the avenue to eternal perspective. Joy is not the same things as happiness. Happiness is fleeting, and circumstantial. Joy is contentment, despite circumstances, because of the anchor of hope we have in Jesus. Joy is gratitude for what God has done, and for what He will do. 

It is JOY that shines the brightest in every dark season. Joy is the security in the promises of God and who He is. Joy has the power to change everything for us now, because Jesus changed everything for us on the cross. 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 
Where in your life have you experienced the most JOY? Was it close to a season of heartache? How do you cultivate JOY in your life, without relying on happiness? Another way to phrase this would be how do you cultivate joy when circumstances are not "happy"? 

How can you pray JOY over specific people in your life? Your friend. Your sister. Your neighbor. Your enemy. But don't forget to ask God to shine light in your own heart where you need Him to grow these things in your life as well. If you don't have this joy in your heart, ASK HIM to give it to you. If you can't muster up an ounce of JOY in your own life, ask God why. And ASK HIM to open the floodgates of heaven to rain joy straight into your soul. He's waiting to do it for you.