Joy

It's a cold winter's day. Mid-January. Temps just BARELY below zero (-11°). Yet, I feel warm. Inside. I'm reflecting on God's love and grace. And I am filled with joy! Why?

As I was traveling to visit a friend this past week I turned on the radio just in time to hear a short 60-second devotional. The speaker suggested reading the Book of Philippians. "It's only three pages," they said. "And it's filled with joy." So I did.

It was definitely worth the read. And it IS literally filled with joy. Which is odd, considering that Paul wrote this letter . . . IN PRISON.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." - Philippians 1:4

I have heard people say, "I just want to be happy." My response is aleays, "Why stop there? Why not go for JOY instead?"

What gives you joy? Think about it. Maybe make a list sometime. There are things that make us happy. But joyous? That would be a shorter list for most of us, I think.

Here's a theory I just came up with - JOY is inseparable from LOVE. One can always find them hanging out together. Here's an example.

I find joy in Jesus, His Word, my wife, our kids and grandkids, and my very close friends. What do these things have in common? I love them all. See what I mean?

"⁸Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." - 1 Peter 1:8-9

Seek joy instead of happiness. As a bonus, you will also find love.

Philippians