Joy

"The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances. It is the happiness and contentment that fills the soul even in the midst of the most distressing circumstances and the most bitter environment. It is the kind of happiness that grins when things go wrong and smiles through the tears. The happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which will root deeply inside us and give inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulus." - Billy Graham

Rev. Graham’s idea may seem a little idealistic. What is this ‘happiness’ that is completely immune from circumstance? Life happens and we sometimes must grieve. Are we not allowed to do so as Christians? Yes. We are allowed to grieve and hurt and suffer from confusion and pain. But the point he is making is that this is not the end of the story. We don’t have to remain stuck in the pains provided by life. Our joy and comfort come from our relationship with God. God has sent the Holy Spirit to give us a peace that passes all understanding. This ‘peace’ is greater than any pain.

When ‘life happens’, we are given the gift of God’s presence. If we are willing to accept God’s comfort and direction, our pain will be overcome with peace, our grief will be matched only by our hope, and our sadness will transform into this divine happiness. This kind of happiness has a name. Joy. And it is nothing less than a gift from God.

See you Sunday!
Missy