Joy is illusive.
Happiness is pretty common. But
joy? Not so much.
A gooey brownie with pecans makes me happy. Cool weather for my early morning walk makes
me happy. And shopping at Hobby Lobby? Happy, happy, happy.
Doesn’t take much to un-do happiness. A sore throat. Dishes left on the counter. Paying for a tank of gasoline. Even an inconvenient parking space at
Walmart. And poof! There goes my happiness.
Happiness is temporary.
As long as things go my way, I’m happy. But once I lose control, happiness takes a
flying leap!
Joy, however, is a different creature. It’s an “always” kind-of-thing. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. Doesn’t need control. Doesn’t need kindness. Doesn’t need gadgets and “things.” Doesn’t even need a vacation!
Joy survives anything.
It lives in the midst of poverty.
It lives in hospitals. It will
survive any natural disaster and can even be found at funerals. A hearty thing . . . this “joy!”
But it is illusive.
You can’t find joy in a thing.
You can’t find joy in a person. Joy
comes from God.
Says who? Well,
David, for one. Psalm 16:11: “In thy
presence is fullness of joy.” Full
joy. Where? With God.
Solomon . . . the wisest man ever . . . said so, too. Ecclesiastes 2:26: “For
God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge and . .
. (ta-da!) joy.” See?
There it is again. God. Gives.
Joy.
Once we figure out that God is the source of joy, we have
two choices: Either we pursue God, or
else, we reject God . . . because we are stubborn. Too stubborn for God. Too stubborn to change. To stubborn let go. “I did it MY way” . . . forever our mantra.
And where does stubbornness originate? Doesn’t take long to figure that one
out. Stubbornness is a by-product of
pride. A LOT of pride.
So, Step One: Settle
the pride issue. Who’s in control? Are you SURE you want to be in charge of your
life? How’s that working out for
you?
Your Creator has a better plan. (Just sayin’.)
(written June 18, 2013)
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