The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Joy Revealed

Today I am supposed to write about what makes me happy, from the little joys to the huge game changers.

Joy is a matter of the heart. So this entry is a little more difficult for me to write and share if I'm being completely honest with myself and God. I've asked God to open the eyes of my heart and to show me where I am on the joy scale. He led me to this verse...

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting." |Psalm 139:23-24|

What does this have to do with joy? Everything! As I meditated on this verse He revealed to me the joy, or the lack there of. Sin had stolen my joy away.

I began to pray for God to show me where I have lacked in joy and peace. The list was longer than I expected... 

Provision |Luke 12:22-30|

Faith |Romans 10:17|

Forgiveness |Psalm 32|

Worship |Luke 10:38-42|

Obedience |1Thessalonians 1:6|

Gospel |3 John1:3|

I wanted God to provide for me how I saw fit. Faith comes from the Word and I was feeding myself very little. I had been hurt and unwilling to forgive. My worship became service. I obeyed man instead of God. And the Gospel, my huge game-changer, I wasn't sharing it as often as I should. 

And I thought I had joy because a child drew me a picture, a parent wrote me a sweet note, the fundraiser brought in thousands, the Mavericks won the championship (finally!!!), my children loved their Christmas gifts, my hubby completed the bathroom remodel, we cruised as a family...I can easily make a long list of people, activities, and possessions that brings about temporary happiness for that moment, but joy; joy is eternal. 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." |Psalms 51:10|

Here's the funny part. This past year I had a heavy cross to carry, but in this cross is where I found my joy and peace in the home God provided, opening His Word and meditating on it, finding healing in forgiveness, replacing the services of Martha with the worship of Mary, and discovering that sharing the Gospel is where true joy roots. 

I found true joy in being content and placing my confidence in Christ alone. 

"For when I am weak, then I am strong. |2 Corinthians 12:10|

How much joy do you truly have? Ask God...you might be surprised. 

"Casting all your care on Him, for He careth for you" |1 Peter 5:7|

{Stay tuned...tomorrow we will be learning what I want to be when I grow up!}