{I am taking a poll this weekend, looking for people to define joy and I asking if you might help. Please consider leaving a comment below with how you define this beautiful characteristic called joy, I would appreciate it! Thank you!!}
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"A commitment to living a life of joy involves a one-time decision in our heart; 'Lord, I want to know your joy every day of my life, and I will seek to find out what it means to dwell in your presence in joy.'
"Experiencing joy, though, is a long-term process--a journey toward maturity as we begin to be aware of those thoughts and worries that would steal our joy. The more we practice taking all of our troubled thoughts captive, the more easily we will recognize them before they take hold in our heart. Practice and discipline provide strength training for our mental muscles and heart responses. So walking in the reality of joy is a road we truly find as we mature and become stronger. The more consistently we follow the path--believing in God's goodness and turning away from Satan's taunts--the more the habit to submit to the Lord and trust him becomes second nature.
"We simply have to practice walking each step with him and allow his presence to bring us the joy that comes from resting in the arms of our capable dance partner through each measure of life's song."
~Sally Clarkson, 'Dancing With My Father'
For other Words of Wisdom for the Weekend posts see here.}
Again, thank you, for leaving a comment with your definition of joy.
Again, thank you, for leaving a comment with your definition of joy.
Dear Rebekah
ReplyDeleteFor much to long I have been seeking and asking our Pappa for joy. But I have come to realize that joy is not an entity that He gives us apart from Himself. I needed to learn how to draw my spirit deep into the life of our Lord Jesus and rest there. He Himself is the joy that fills my heart. I hope I make sense. These things is way above our minds to understand.
Blessings from Sandra's.
Mia
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. There is a joyful mother of children in the Psalms. Currently I have five children age six & under, two single moms, & three older sons, one with special needs, all living with me. "Joy unspeakable & full of glory" from the King James Bible comes to mind. Joy is far more than an emotion because many days I don't know how to do this. I know He is with me though, even thought it gets so hard! I hope this encourages you. It is a blessing to read your words! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteJoy is the stubborn bloom that persists despite the thorns is a definition I found helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have saved a whole file of JOY quotes and teaching- because it is my WORD for the year.
Should you wish to take a peek- email me at mgemmill@xtra.co.nz. I shall be checking back here to see what others come up with!
I agree with Cynthia about the JOY set before us that encourages us to endure, as Jesus endured that aweful cross because he knew what JOY was coming afterwards.
Oh I love the purple flowers just ... gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI'm a purple person ... didn't start that way, but life changed about 25 years ago. But love lilacs, irises, hydrangeas, and all kinds of lavenders around the house and the yard. Makes me just smile in my heart with peace. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDelete