Experiencing Joy

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

(1 Peter 1:8–9, ESV)

So often I encounter people who are either lacking joy (doing nothing to find it) or seeking it through what they do and what they have. But both of these approaches fail us! Joy does not come to those who do nothing to find it, but it is also not found merely in the pleasures and blessings of this life.

It is a blessing to spend time with young children; they are able to find joy and pleasure in the simplest of things - a pet, bubbles, swinging, cuddles …. If our desire is for the unreachable or impractical, then we miss enjoying the blessings and presence of Christ in our lives today. Joy is not in having “lots” but in the simple things of life.

If you watched the video shared last week, you may have taken note of what Bill Adsit shared regarding joy …

J - Jesus first

O - others second

Y - yourself last

Too often we live as though JOY begins with “y”. This challenge to turn around our perspective has been a great reminder as of late.

May we find our joy not only in the simpler things of life but in the person and presence of Jesus Himself!