By Portia Williams
Since I was a little girl, I have heard the words of the gospel music favorite, ‘This Joy That I have.’ The lyrics from the popular song go on to say, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away. Oh the beauty of joy! Joy can be described as an abundant sense of satisfaction, of peace and contentment. I have come to find that people search for joy in many places, sadly to discover that in reality, many times they only discover happiness, which is a temporary sense of peace which is based upon circumstances, people, places and things. In the life of a Christian, we are confronted with a host of things that try to compete for our joy. Life’s circumstances have a way of challenging us through a myriad of measures. Adversity has the boldness to look us in the face, and have the audacity to even think that our joy can be taken from us. Our joy must be untouchable! The 16th division of Psalms states in the New International version, the following: “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.” My friends, true, lasting joy that will sustain us throughout our lifetime can only be found in the presence of God. It cannot be found in people, granted we may have great relationships, or even a great marriage, but people cannot be the source of our joy. Joy cannot be found in circumstances, because the minute the circumstances change — there goes our joy. Henceforth, joy cannot be found in a bottle, or an illegal injection into one’s body. Joy can only be found by seeking, and maintaining a relationship with God. I had the honor last Sunday to preach a sermon, and not too many days after that a series of events erupted to challenge my joy, or at least they thought. Through God, I remained steadfast, and continued to seek my Savior in prayer for guidance, encouragement, and direction. My joy remains, thank you Jesus! Jesus promised in St. John 15:11: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Do you believe these words from our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? Joy is in Jesus, and Jesus is in joy. Be encouraged my friends, and hold on to your joy!
Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.
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