The Quest for Joy!
Where do you find your joy? For me, it’s a beautiful sunrise. There’s nothing better than sitting on the beach and watching the sunrise over the ocean. Don’t get me wrong I love a beautiful sunset too, but to watch the sun embark on a brand new day is truly an inspirational and joyous experience. Despite this and the many other joys I’m so blessed to have in my life, none compare to my ultimate joy! You see, this joy doesn’t depend on a sunrise, sunset, the weather, my feelings, or even those closest to me. The Joy I’m talking about is only found in one place and that is our heavenly Father! In Romans 15:13, it says, “Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope”! I just love being aware of and surrounded by God’s perfect love and continued presence.
For most of us, finding this Joy isn’t always easy. It takes time, effort and a willingness to let go and trust God. No matter where you are in this journey, the bible tells us that He is singing over us. In Zephaniah 3:17, 7 it says, The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” He wants us to know that He loves us and He sings over us with joy. God wants us to know this joy and sing with Him. This is the joy that truly supplies us with peace.
We must know Him and His good love in order to trust Him, and in that trust we find hope in Him and all of His Promises. This is a process that requires transformation. We must grow in our relationship with God by lowering our defenses and allowing Him in. We must seek the time to learn His word and grow with Him. Although we are completely accepted just the way we are, He will most certainly not leave us that way. He wants us to know just how much He loves us and there is no greater demonstration of this than John 3:16. Through this love we were brought back to where we were meant to be, in His presence, knowing His love and loving Him back.
Today, my life is drastically different simply because of Him! The unending hope I receive from God brings me to this ultimate joy! It’s that joy that brings me to life. I’m energized and driven by His Spirit.
If you aren’t aware of this joy then spend time listening, learning and growing closer to His heart. You too will find Joy in Him, but until then know that He is singing over you!
