Joy

Isn’t it interesting that God's joy isn’t contingent upon life events or circumstance? God's joy is independent from the cares of the day. It’s totally unrelated to politics or world events. It’s not dependent upon our emotions. God's joy isn’t a feeling, it’s a decision. It’s a result of relationship, not what we may or may not have.

God's joy is completely unrelated to social position or material possessions or prestige. It flows from friendship not finances. God's joy is the essence of being content, comfortable, at ease in all things.

God's joy is fueled by thanksgiving. Being thankful for the everyday. God's joy in turn, fuels compassion and mercy and grace. Joy-filled people tend to be generous, loving and kind. In fact you could say that some of the fruit of joy is exactly those things.

God's joy sharpens our focus and expands our vision to see others’ suffering and share what we have been given with others. God's joy gives and doesn’t count the cost. God's joy is both the fruit and the foundation of deep love and intimacy.

(photo above from plaidheart.wordpress.com)