Day 11 "You Are Joyful"
Good Morning Beauties!
I’m so excited to begin our next attribute with you today. (It’s one of my favorites!) You are JOYFUL.
Let's talk about the root word of Joyful - Joy. How do you describe Joy? Webster's Dictionary defines it as "The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, by the prospect of possessing what one desires." This definition is how most of the world sees joy - an emotional response to getting something we want.
I think there's more to it. Pastor John Piper describes it this way, "Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world."
If we think about Apostle Paul in chains as he serves time in prison, he was not getting anything good by worldly standards; and yet Paul encourages us to rejoice - to be continually filled with joy. Paul had a Godly perspective as he focused on Jesus and not on his circumstance, and provides for us the perfect example how Joy in the Lord is actually our Strength.
I love the photo above. Do you live in an area where it snows. In Minnesota, it snows A LOT!! I can choose to stay inside and curse the snow, or I can go out in it and experience the beauty all around. I can let the snow hit me in the face and be annoyed by it, or release those feelings and simply find joy in surrendering to the cold flakes dissolving when they hit my warm face. We can find joy anywhere - just like Paul.
Do you need Strength today? You may be going through something very difficult right now. Will you allow God to fill your heart with joy as you Trust Him? Selah.
Love and Blessings,
Kendra
“...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”