What’s on your play list these days? Are you listening to some old favorites? Or is there a new one that keeps looping around, because you can’t get enough of it?
I am obsessed with the song, Joy, off of Housefires II. It resonates with everything within me. I play it nonstop in my office, my car, even on my computer with headphones if I’m in a coffee shop. I think it is because it is the song of my heart.
The lyrics are so in line with Isaiah 61 and the divine exchange God brings to people. While Isaiah 61:1 speaks to me and my calling to work with survivors of sex trafficking, Isaiah 61:7 is full of promise for them, as well as the rest of us:
Instead of their shame My people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. “
JOY…. it’s a word people don’t frequently use. More often than not, people talk about being happy. Happiness is so fleeting and completely dependent upon your circumstances. Joy is listed in the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23]. It is from the Lord and the beautiful thing about joy is it is NOT dependent upon our circumstances. Joy is dependent upon our God.
Our circumstances never control our Lord, but our Lord can control our circumstance…. and sometimes He does. Other times, He chooses to strengthen us to rise above them. Either way, He is with us [Joshua 1:9]. Either way, we have the opportunity to experience joy.
Which would you rather have, happiness that can be here today and gone tomorrow depending on your ever changing circumstances or joy, which depends upon the everlasting Lord Jesus Christ?
It’s an easy choice for me. I chooses Jesus over circumstances and joy over happiness every time. What about you?
If we will give Him our circumstances, our very lives, in return, He will give us joy. Psalm 30:11 says so,
You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”
Turn your speakers up, my friend and enjoy!
[youtube]http://youtu.be/bC-O_XpU4t0[/youtube]
The Joy that I have surely comes from my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you, Susan for this great reminder that we, as believers have an intentional choice to make. I feel God’s strength more than ever when I choose JOY.
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Joan, thank you so much for your words of encouragement. What a blessing!