Joy

How do you find it?
What does it feel like?
What does it do for you?
If you lose it, how do you get it back?

I have thought a lot about these questions lately.  Seems like joy is an illusive feeling that all of us want but seem to find so hard to have.  Every time I hear someone say "I just want to be happy", or "I just want my children--spouse--friend to be happy", it sounds as if being happy is the ultimate goal of every human being.  It's to be had, no matter the cost. 

Advertisements even suggest that everyone is entitled to happiness. They imply that if you don't have a certain "thing" you can't be happy.  The only way to happiness is to get what you "deserve."  The words "happy" and "happen" have the same root.  "Happy" is a condition of everything "happening" the way you want it to, which very rarely "happens."

"You asked for it...you got it."  

"Don't settle for less when you deserve more."

"How to ask for the raise you deserve."

"Give her the home she deserves." 

I could go on but you get the picture.  I covet joy....real joy.  The joy that only comes from the Lord.  Happiness is fleeting.  Joy is something you can carry deep inside you all the time, no matter your circumstances.  That is what I pray for, both for myself and all of you.

The good thing about remaining joyful is that, every now and then, the Lord throws in a totally unexpected HAPPY!  How wonderful is that!