You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

Have you ever tried to define joy? If not, you should! Trying to define joy is such a joyful process! It makes us consider what makes our hearts their happiest. Everyone’s definition will be slightly different, I am sure, but, here is my simple attempt this morning.

Spiritually, joy, to me, is anything that feels or looks like a glimpse of heaven. It is other-worldly and precious and wonderful, sent by the Father. To know Jesus is to know joy and to know joy is to catch a glimpse of what awaits us in heaven.

I feel joy when I hear my granddaughter laugh , when I consider grandchildren on the way, when I have ideas and a quiet time to write, when my adult children talk with me about their spiritual lives, when we gather with our family and I feel the blessing of God’s plan, when my husband and I worship in church together and when we travel to find a view that only God can create.

For me, joy is anything that only God can do. The world offers us plenty of fun and exciting things, but I like the things that no one but God can create. I am not sure that anything in the world can actually give real joy.That’s just me. I wonder what brings YOU joy! What things make you deep-down happy? Maybe think about those things!

Dear Father, Thank You for all that You have done for us and what You have allowed us to enjoy. You are too good to us. Help us to want joy for others as much as we want it for ourselves. Give us opportunity to share our joys and blessings with others so they feel blessed. Thank You for every joy that You give and for helping us to realize where it comes from. We love You! Amen.

I hope the Lord delivers joy today to you. With love from the Father to you, have a great day!

Tina