Journey to Joy

I've been thinking a lot about qualities related to our relationship with Jesus and the state of being His child. Qualities like Love and Joy. I don't really understand them very well. As a survivor of sexual abuse and ritual abuse these things have been contaminated. Even more so in the broken relationship patterns of my family of origin. It's like I have a block when it comes to understanding them and embracing them in the context of being gifts from God. I hope in writing this post and asking Jesus to further redeem them, that I will grow deeper in my understanding, not only of Love and Joy but of Christ Himself.

I hear all the time that joy is not an emotion, that it is not happiness because happiness is fleeting. But no one really has ever defined joy for me. I went to Webster's Online Dictionary (link below) and low and behold it is defined as an emotion. I read through the comments which were mostly Christian in nature. One individual was looking for the difference between joy and happiness but did not come to any conclusions. Another however stated that joy comes through peace. That one caught my interest. I also noted another word, “joyance” which turns out to be an older word which means “delight” or “enjoyment”. That's a little better. So it seems that today the world sees the word joy as almost synonymous with happiness.

I found a biblical reference in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia online (link below). It is extensive but many of the words interpreted joy in English come from Greek words which can also mean “excitement”, “exultation”, “rejoice”,“be bright”, and in one instance is closely related to the Greek word meaning “grace”.

But what does all this mean to me? If joy is more than an emotion, if peace is a part of the equation and if it is a noun that requires action...then what does God have to say to my heart and mind about it?

“Joy was placed as a spark inside of you when you were conceived. It has been there as long as you have existed. It is the zest for life that I intended for the most special of my creation....man. I intended it to be the part of you that reflected me here on earth. Each time you spend time with me it grows and glows through you. My hope was and still is that this light would glow through you as you participate in my life and ministry. I was in anguish when fallen men turned their twisted desires in your direction and tried to extinguish that spark. I made a way out of that place you found yourself in, knowing you would search for me and I would be there, even in the pain and darkness that held you captive. I led you here to question joy, to question what you have been told and what has been demonstrated to you. I am leading you back to the original spark of joy I joyfully placed in you many years ago.”

Wow...what a time it was to listen to His words speaking to my spirit. I have more to ask Him about...love and trust come to mind first. It is in His presence I thrive...when I don't take time to listen to Him I look around and can't even fathom His love and joy. It is so comforting to know when I stop my busyness that He speaks to me as if I was listening all along.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 27:6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tents sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Much thanks goes to my friend Marie Wikle of Spreading Joy Inc. for challenging and inspiring me to pursue joy.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joy

http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/J/JOY/