Joy

It's a slogan word at Christmas time.
It's also one of the fruits of the Spirit.
And now I know that unequivocally God has placed joy in my heart too.

This past Saturday the pastor with whom we are staying in Miri commented to me that I have such joy. I asked if he was being sarcastic, but he assured me that no he was not. And that in fact he had been observing me in the team and noted how joyful I am. He also said my joy is infectious, and helps boost the rest of the team.

Wow! I know this joy is coming from God, because I don't always feel like being the joyful one. And I remember vividly how unhappy, even depressed, I have been in the past. Junior high comes to mind!

You might be thinking that age helps us deal with our emotions better. I agree. But there is no doubt in my mind that God fills me with His joy when I don't have my own. He responds to my request to be joyful and loving so that I can bless other people.

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The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)