Joy

Life overwhelms me sometimes.  And right now is one of those times.  Connected to us in some way there are stressed and strained and crumbling marriages; ill and aging grandparents; families struggling with unwanted diagnosis of their children (including a family with three precious daughters all with a genetic disease that will kill them before they reach adulthood); prison sentences; children missing parents because of divorce or poor choices; debilitating anxiety.  Is there any doubt that we live in a fallen and broken world?

These are all circumstances.  Circumstances change.  So why do I try so hard to find my joy in my circumstances?


It's easy and deceptive for good things in life, blessings,  to bring us joy.  How often I find joy in my children, good health, financial gifts, pleasant relationships.  I really shouldn't do that because it sets me up for a depressing fall.  Life does not always rain blessings.  Sometimes pain and hurt fall down on us in pelting blasts.  And where are we left, then, if we've allowed circumstances to determine our joy?

I strongly desire to make the LORD the source of my joy.  Not just delight or happiness, but true and lasting joy.  Joy that does not waver with the changing circumstances of my life.  The words of the prophet Habakkuk are calling out for me to remember and heed:

Though the fig tree should not blossom, 
nor fruit be on the vines, 
the produce of the olive fail 
and the fields yield no food, 
the flock be cut off from the fold 
and there be no herd in the stalls, 
yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.  (Habakkuk 3:17-18)


I am trying to focus on making Christ my joy.  Not because of what He gives me or what He provides for me, but for who He is: the God of my salvation.