After reading the last God Nugget written by John E. called Rejoice 2, I felt called to explore more deeply what John described as joy com from an internal experience, “that radiates from the inside out” like the joy of a parent for their child. This is something that stays with you and is not fleeting like the happiness of a new purchase. John uses the example of how we can feel jo knowing how much our Creator loves and desires his children.
Apostle Paul in his letters to the Philippians, let his brothers and sisters know respectfully how his joy in Jesus Christ gave him contentment no matter how difficult the circumstances were, and they were difficult!
I ask myself how can scripture help us manage these difficult times, not to despair but find our way to true joy. We must realize that we are not of this world, only visiting, so we need to momentarily separate from this materialistic world and visualize our presence as part of “God’s royal priesthood, belonging to him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9) while holding thankfulness in our hearts (like the thankfulness for a lifelong loving parent). From love comes joy from the heart to words of praise, rejoicing in the constant love and protection of the Father.
Our Lord Jesus taught us how to access joy from love, “as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy be in you, and that your joy maybe full” (John 15: 9-11)
In that moment of separation from worldly troubles abiding in relationship with the Lord, through prayer, surrender to His will, in obedience and love we are filled with joy and His love for one another, and for those who do not yet know His love!
-Dave S