The topic of joy has been on my mind a lot lately. Joy in the Lord. The Bible makes no claims about this world that we should have all the things we want, or that we will find happiness. Those aren't 'rights' as the world may have us believe. Joy and happiness come from God. It is interesting to me that in fact God made it very clear to us that joy is not a result of 'good times' or even our accomplishments. But rather we can have joy (unaltered - unaffected) because we are His children, and He lives in us.
Aaron and I watched the saddest movie on the PLANET last night. Dear Zachary. It is a documentary of a mother and father that lose their grown son to a murder...the murder - his ex girlfriend, who turned out to be pregnant with their grandson, and eventually she ends up killing the baby too. There is MUCH more to the story, but I can't imagine going through what this couple did. What devastating loss. Aaron and I were very sad, and still feel sad today from this movie. It hit us like a ton of bricks (because unlike you, we didn't know what happened in the end - sorry for the spoiler). I wonder, could we have maintained our focus on God's unfailing love and commitment to us if we went through this? I hope that we never have to know...but if we are put through the fire like that, I hope we will remember these verses on Joy....some of my favorites.
Psalm 90:14
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
1 Chronicles 16:31
31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
1 Thessalonians 5
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:13
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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