Sept 11th, 2022: Enduring Joy

 

A friend brought up the notion of enduring joy this week.

Is joy something we gain or seek?

Joy certainly is not happiness.

It is more than being without stress.

Happiness is unpredictable because it comes and goes.

Joy is far constant as we learn how to be without God's foes.

Joy can be attained when we embrace true humility.

It gives creativity to consider new possibilities.

Joy is learning how to live without pretension.

Life is a lot more fulfilling without apprehension.

Joy is the freedom to acknowledge that we don't need to be in control.

We discover the longing of our soul.

Joy grants us hope for tomorrow.

So we can face today's sorrow.

Joy helps us rest.

So can offer others God's best.

Joy gives us a sense of direction.

We live in the midst of the world's confusion.

Let us now rest in God's presence.

That is the source of our enduring joy preference.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12: 12

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16: 11

(The picture was taken by my aunt)