“Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a NEW song, His praise in the assembly of His faithful people.” Psalm 149

Joy is… being in His Presence. It’s like taking a clean and refreshing morning  shower, getting drenched in Jesus, the living water, until His Presence pours out from us to others. “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118: 24

Joy is… giving  us all the courage we need to be all that God created us to be. We don’t have to have all the answers.  We just have to stay connected to the one who does. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31: 24

Joy is… making good choices and decisions.  God smiling. Lord, help me make a decision today  that will draw me closer to you. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Joy is…  your boundless love that sees me and accepts me as I am, warts and all. When I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and don’t like what I see. “You will fill me with joy in your presence.” Psalm 16:11

Joy is… knowing you are free. It’s not about having it all. It’s about having what matters.“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Joy is… laughter with a friend.  Laughter is to life what shock absorbers are to cars. It won’t take the pot holes out of the road, but it sure makes the ride smoother. “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17: 22

Joy is… knowing that our only safety comes from trusting God through everything. “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm  30: 5

Joy is …knowing how honored we are as one of His redeemed. Even if we mess up and feel undeserving, the Lord is at our right hand. “The Lord takes delight in His people.” Psalm 149:4

Joy is… Walking outside in God’s creation, energetic and alive in a wildly wonderful world. “You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills shall burst forth in song before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55: 12.

Joy is…” whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; So that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. “James 1:2-4

Joy is…  knowing the Lord is our Provider, our Protector, our Defender. Knowing this, we are sent out in the world to further God’s cause. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Susan Hurd