JOY THAT REMAINS

 "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine." Psalms 4:6

I had in mind to write on the topic Comparison- the thief of joy. I even had a tiny draft written up, but when I revisited it, I had no desire to continue writing on the topic. I am not too sure why. Perhaps it was because I was moody, I found myself asking, what is joy anyway?

So, I picked up my Bible concordance, opened my BLB study Bible app, and decided to do a study on Joy instead. 

One of the definitions of Joy I found on the BLB app that struck me the most is that Joy is the natural outcome of fellowship with God (see also Psalms 16:11). As I pondered on this definition, I began to see Joy from a whole different perspective, and a couple of things came to mind:

1.  The Holy Spirit lives in me.

2. I am a constant carrier of His presence.

3. Joy is a fruit of this presence.

Therefore, it makes sense for my joy to be constant!

As Joy is a supernatural fruit of the Holy Spirit, it makes sense for it to transcend the natural stimulations like the presence or absence of good news. Going by this revelation, then really, nothing should be able to steal my joy if it is found in God's consistent presence. But oh man, I let so many things steal my joy. Instead of setting the Lord before me (Psalms 16:8), I set my wants, needs, and problems before me. The end result? Anxiety, frustration, disappointment, etc. 

For surely trials and temptations will come, but setting the Lord before me and knowing/believing He is my right hand will make my heart glad through it all. 

So, here's one thing I pray to consciously fight against- Letting my results determine my joy. 

Instead, I'll let the Joy of the Lord from within strengthen me to face the tough times. 

So help me God. 

 Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills."