On a recent gorgeous summer day, I was with my free-spirited, full of life, 3-year old granddaughter. We ended up at a small water fountain park which was completely deserted except for us. As I sat on a bench in the warm sunshine watching her, I marveled at her pure joy. PURE INNOCENT JOY. She was totally unaware of her surroundings, yet she squealed in delight as she ran (in her clothes, mind you) from fountain to fountain, slowly becoming more and more wet, swinging her hair while she laughed. Her happiness was so deep it bubbled up from inside her.
At that moment, and many times since, I’ve pondered that joy. That freedom to delight so fully in the moment that you can’t help but let it bubble out from within. I’ve had that happen with my husband or with my grown kids at times…moments when we’re all laughing at something so hard we can hardly talk or catch our breath! That kind of joy.
Jesus wants us to be able to experience that kind of joy on such a regular basis it’s been offered as a “free gift” from the Holy Spirit. And who wouldn’t want MORE JOY?
When Jesus walked the earth, I’m 100% certain he was filled daily with my granddaughter’s kind of joy. Joy that bubbles up from within. Joy that changed the way he looked at every situation, even when those situations were hard and painful. Joy that he CHOSE even in the incredibly challenging seasons of life.
Where do you find joy? Are you able to stop in the moment and take it in? Do you sense it when seeing something awe-inspiring in his creation? I know that I do: every June I see the fields filled with fireflies that light up the sky, and I still squeal with the delight of a 3-year old!
What about finding joy even through the difficulties of life? This is much more challenging and requires discipline, right? The discipline of choice. The choice to look up and still see Jesus at work through the struggle.The choice to be grateful and thankful and recognize that God is doing something good even in the painful suffering. That choice also brings JOY deep from within — a place so deep it bubbles up to the surface.
Joy is a gift from our Creator, the lover of your soul…what an amazing blessing!
You are chosen for Joy.
Scripture Meditations:
Galatians 5:22-23
Psalm 28:7
Acts 2:28
Journal/Reflection questions:
1. What memories come to mind when you’ve felt pure joy bubbling up from within?
2. Ask Jesus, “Where am I missing the joy that you have for me?” Write down whatever comes to mind.
Kathy Morgan has been married to her best friend, Bob, for over 37 years. Together they have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren. Kathy is a Hospital Chaplain and loves mentoring women, hosting ministry events in her home, prayer, cooking, reading historical Biblical fiction, and eating all forms of potatoes.