The Joy of the Lord!

During my teenage years we lived near Penn State University and my parents were involved in ministry with students.  This meant that most of my friends were college students and I spent many hours per week in either church or Bible study. 

I will never forget one of the young men I met during those years.  His name was Ted.  He walked around with what appeared to be a frown on his face all of the time.  Although apparently his demeanor was not reflective of what was in his heart.  One evening he shared in our Bible Study that he had the "Joy of the Lord".  This was stated as if he was asking someone to pass the peas... and his face said that he didn't like peas. 

We often laugh and remember this statement of Ted's.

Truth be told, I am sure he was experiencing

the Joy of the Lord in his own "Ted" way.  

It just seemed that someone forgot to tell his face.

Do you have the "Joy of the Lord"?

Does it show?

Joy is different than happiness,
although I think sometimes it shows up
as happiness.

It is hard to define, if you ask me.

But if you have it, you'll know it.

Being content and at peace with whatever

God is doing in our lives. 

It seems to be a byproduct of Faith.

Some of us are looking a bit harder to find

the Joy but it is definitely there.

Joy bubbles up and out of the heart in

songs of thanksgiving and praise.

It is the knowledge of the work 

of God in and through us!

When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19

They will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 35:10

Shout for joy, O heavens; 

rejoice, O earth; 

burst into song, O mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion

on his afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13

You will go out in joy 

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills 

will burst into song before you, 

and all the trees of the field 

will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12