One of the qualities of joy is that it builds momentum. Sometimes we are surprised by it, sometimes we anticipate it as in the intense joy of the arrival of a baby, but it is the result of something we have looked for, for awhile.
Perhaps that is part of the “joy of the season”: we anticipate the arrival of Christmas with our preparations of the heart and festivities.
Today let us meditate on the idea that joy comes from the good in something. We rejoice when good overcomes, when it is revealed. Perhaps that is one of the keys of finding joy: looking for and focusing on good reports and positive thoughts.
Let’s take paper and pen again,as we did earlier in the season, and think of ten things that give us joy.
What gives you joy?
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
God is good, and like the chorus says, He is good “all the time”. This is why when circumstances spiral down around us, we may still have joy, so long as we look to God. His goodness in the midst of our struggles to make sense of loss or difficulties can bring us the joy in hoping.
Our rejoicing does not depend on the temporary, but is anchored in the eternal love of our Savior.
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Carol for Today
“Ding Dong Merrily on High”
