O JOY DIVINE!

Happiness is a makeshift imitation of the Joy of the Lord. Being happy is a delightful feeling, but cannot last since it is rooted in passing circumstances. Divine Joy is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and cannot abide in a divided heart. Constantly seeking satisfaction from the things of this world robs us from heavenly realities. The joy I seek is already mine in Christ, yet is experienced only in full surrender. I must not fear it, squelch it, and most importantly, not substitute it with something inferior. O Lord My God, You first, no excuses. Your Joy is my strength; I can run through a troop and leap over a wall…joyfully.