Monday Musings

What a glorious day in Minnesota!  This summer has been a-typical weather for us. Cooler temperatures than average and the air is fabulously dryer. Meaning, not humid!  :)  I am sitting out on the deck listening to the birds sing and enjoying the calm breeze and dancing reed grass. It makes me smile, happy and peaceful and it brings to mind the word I have been pondering the last couple of days.

Joy. 

My search drummed up this. “True happiness comes from within.” At least that’s what our culture tells us while beating the drum of self-esteem as the route to real joy. But what if this is wrong? What if true joy comes not from within, but from without? What if it comes from God himself? Quote from Josh Moody his book Journey to Joy. 

Let's delve into this.

A quote I heard from the fabulous speaker on Saturday:
 "Joy is heaven's language!"

And as the Lord would have it the day after in my devotional this verse is highlighted "Be joyful in hope..." Romans 12:12a and another...
1 Thes 5:16  Be joyful always.

There are 214 uses of the word joy in the NIV. Of those verses, nearly a quarter of those verses are found in the Psalms.
1. I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
2. Shout for Joy to the Lord
3. Joy in your presence
4. Joy comes in the morning
5. You will fill me with joy in Your presence
And the one that touched my heart the most while searching:

 6. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name. Ps 33:21 MSG

Taken for our own. 

Choose: It has to do with choice.
Take: It has to do with action. 
Look: It has to do with looking to Him instead of looking within.
Seek: It has to do with seeking. But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Ps 70:4


Anyone remember this song?
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
So where does joy come from?
I've got the Love of Jesus, Love of Jesus down in my heart.
It comes from Him!  Wahoo!

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Seek and you WILL find,
Amy

 


it is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!