Joy, real joy, lasting joy, doesn’t come from things.  Joy comes from relationships.

I get an enormous amount of joy from my wife and kids.  Sometimes I look at them and it feels as if my heart will exploded.  I don’t always feel that way though because, sadly, I can get easily distracted with the busyness of my life but, in those moments when I truly pause, survey and reflect on my life, I feel blessed beyond measure and great joy fills my heart.

In that same way, there is an almost indescribable joy that comes from walking in a relationship with the Lord.  You may not always be aware enough to sense it but it’s there just past your stress or worry or busyness.  It’s there is good times and in bad.  It’s there whether you’re up or down.  It’s there if you will just lay aside the cares of this world long enough to grasp it.

Not only is this joy always available to us but with it comes great strength.  There is a profound sense of stability, encouragement, and empowerment that comes when we staunchly lay claim to this joy that is rightfully ours.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

What do my words reveal about my heart?

The propensity to self-deceive is common to all of us.  We must fight against it at all times and ask God to help us see ourselves as we truly are.

Always be gracious and giving to others.

Thank God for His kindness and mercy.