Everyday Joy
December 26, 2015
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.”
This Christmas season I have noticed how much emphasis we place upon “Joy.” So many of the songs we sing speak of the joy we have in recognizing Jesus’ coming to us as a baby. “Joy to the World” is one the most beloved hymns of the season. Others like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” also speak of the joy found in Jesus’ birth. Clearly knowing Jesus should bring us joy, not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year. So as the season winds down we must remember to remain in a spirit of joy. David wrote in Psalm 16:11, “You will fill me with joy in your presence,” so each day remember that having the privilege of coming into God’s presence should produce joy in your heart. What might that joy look like? It reminds me of a time when my granddaughter was competing in a swim meet, and Charlie and I were late arriving but got there just as she was about to swim. We hurried down to the end of her swimming lane to greet her when she finished. When she was about two-thirds done she looked up and saw me. In her excitement, she stopped swimming and screamed, “Gramma!” Needless to say, she did not win the race, but everybody in the place knew that there was joy in her heart when she saw me waiting at the finish. I was thrilled at her reaction and believe God is greatly pleased when we come to Him with joy in our hearts. Ask God to give you His joy today and everyday as you spend time with Him.
This Christmas season I have noticed how much emphasis we place upon “Joy.” So many of the songs we sing speak of the joy we have in recognizing Jesus’ coming to us as a baby. “Joy to the World” is one the most beloved hymns of the season. Others like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” also speak of the joy found in Jesus’ birth. Clearly knowing Jesus should bring us joy, not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year. So as the season winds down we must remember to remain in a spirit of joy. David wrote in Psalm 16:11, “You will fill me with joy in your presence,” so each day remember that having the privilege of coming into God’s presence should produce joy in your heart. What might that joy look like? It reminds me of a time when my granddaughter was competing in a swim meet, and Charlie and I were late arriving but got there just as she was about to swim. We hurried down to the end of her swimming lane to greet her when she finished. When she was about two-thirds done she looked up and saw me. In her excitement, she stopped swimming and screamed, “Gramma!” Needless to say, she did not win the race, but everybody in the place knew that there was joy in her heart when she saw me waiting at the finish. I was thrilled at her reaction and believe God is greatly pleased when we come to Him with joy in our hearts. Ask God to give you His joy today and everyday as you spend time with Him.