Filled with Joy

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Whenever the opportunity arises to talk about Joy, I find it an easy assignment. If you have truly experienced the "Joy of your Salvation", you can easily get in touch with what the meaning of joy is. When faced with the task of writing a song about Joy, I once came up with this verse that really captures the essence of Joy.

Remember the meaning of Joy. Life will be easy if you do. Always put Jesus first. Second, all others, Then you

This simple poem has always been my formula for Joy. As you may have already heard, the word JOY is an acrostic…. Jesus--Others--You. This has been taught for a long time, and I wrote a poem and put it to music, so that I could hum that truth to myself whenever I need it.

For me to get in touch with Joy is as easy as remembering what a blessing it is to be saved. The very fact of my knowing Christ brings me such a feeling of elation, and the feeling of indescribable gladness that it could only be Joy. I experience this exuberance only when considering what God has done for me. At any time, any place, and no matter what the circumstance, I can get in touch with this button that God has installed in me.

May I make a suggestion to everybody who reads this? Everyone try to describe what it feels like knowing that God loves him or her. Anybody can do it. Just close your eyes and picture Jesus holding you in His arms and assuring you of His love and plans for you. How does that make you feel? Isn't it wonderful? This joy can change my attitude in an instant. When I put God first, and others second, and me third, it helps me to continue experiencing Joy. As a matter of fact, the more often I hum the Joy Song, the better everything seems to go! We have so much to be grateful for, so many blessings. Even in the midst of trouble, I just have to start with the fact of my salvation and...here comes the Joy!

When I get self-focused and forget about God, that's when the Joy goes away. I know that many families are facing difficulties, but remember that Christ will never leave you or forsake you. Just thinking about that...Here comes the Joy again!...Makes me want to whistle a little song. I pray that your family's Joy will multiply and flourish, and that you won't let the enemy steal your Joy.

Remember the meaning of Joy; life will be easy if you do. Always put Jesus first, second, all others and then You!

In Joy, Pastor Fred

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