JOY

Joy is a feeling we all strive to achieve. It is defined as great pleasure and happiness; such as tears of joy or the joy of being alive. Synonyms include: elation, triumph, rejoicing, delight. Following are some photos of joy.

 

These photos equate joy with happiness and in life this is what we all want-right? But throughout life there inevitably will be times of suffering and sorrow. Yet joy does not have to disappear.  How do we find joy in all circumstances, as the Bible encourages? "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

For me, it's a challenge to "be joyful and give thanks in ALL circumstances!" Only through prayer is this possible. We are admonished not only to say a brief "help me" prayer but to pray "continually" and "faithfully"! From the well of prayer joy bubbles to the surface.

Habakkuk 3: 17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud, (though my arthritic knee does not bend), and there are no grapes on the vines,(and there are no shoes that fit over my bone spurred left toe), though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, (though my scoliosis back curves more each year and causes continual discomfort), though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, (though there are no solutions for a spastic urinary bladder), yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior! The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."( He enables me to jump on the trampoline with 3 and 5 year old grandsons and still walk in the morning!)