Chuck Fattore

Joy Joy Joy

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5 NIV

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 NIV

Beethoven's Ode to Joy is symphony dedicated to the ideal of universal freedom and peace among all peoples. But Jesus states in Matthew 24:6 that world will be filled with wars and rumors of wars until He comes again. Making a personal quest for joy without appealing to God's grace is a frivolous activity!

Happiness is an emotion triggered by an external set of self-pleasing circumstances! On the other hand, joy is a character quality (spiritual fruit) that develops over time by selflessly giving to the point of self sacrifice. Happiness is a fruit of joy! Our ability to grow and feel joy comes from God.

Like our salvation, joy is an enduring quality in a Christian's life. The mere thought of God's love for us and the Holy Spirit's indwelling in us brings to mind the spirit joy, a gift we have in the serving Jesus! Joy is a deep-rooted, God inspired happiness!

When Jesus comes and reigns in a believer's soul, their contemplation of the cross triggers a new awareness of the hole in our Savior's side. Along with the steams of blood, we can visualize a fountain of joy, showers of mercy and mountains of joy to be spiritually savored. This is God's blessing to all who seek and find Him.

Joy in a believer's life becomes an important part of our born again DNA. Joy offers us the solid ground from which God surprises us with His unmerited favor. Joy, like love, opens our spiritual eyes to the potential available in growing our earthly legacy for God's kingdom in heaven!

The original ode to joy was written by God our Father and implanted into the souls of His children! Let us recall the notes of God's joy and let us sing to God the loving and healing refrains of joy!