"True Joy"
by
Erin-Rae Donaldson
Happiness
exciting, eventful
delightful, cheerful, blissful
dependent, circumstantial, momentary, contingent
pleasurable, desirable, experiential, liberating, fulfilling, purposeful
independent, unconditional, stable, reliable
Satisfying, enduring, hopeful
Profound, life-giving
Joy
Valentine's Day...
A day filled with happiness, loved ones, flowers, and of course, an endless supply of rich and creamy chocolates! Although the previous sentence is an accurate description, I believe it leaves out one critical element--joy. While joy and happiness are often classified as synonymous, I beg to differ. You see, happiness is often temporary and contingent upon positive circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, exists and permeates through one's heart, soul, and mind, independent of external circumstances.
So I challenge you with this:
- Choose joy this Valentine's Day, not because you have everything your heart desires, but because God has granted you all that you need. His provision has and never will cease.
- Choose joy this Valentines Day regardless of your relationship status on Facebook. If your love life is uneventful at present, take comfort in knowing that God knows what he is doing and his timing may be different from our own, but it is never early nor late--he has never stopped orchestrating your future love story. He has written it to perfection.
- Choose joy this Valentine's Day no matter your plans. Whether you are out on the town celebrating with that special someone or simply studying while watching a movie in your Star War's PJ's (like I will be doing), celebrate and know that you are loved. Don't allow the enemy to rob you of your joy or bombard you with thoughts of loneliness. Like my dad always says, "When we have pity parties, Satan is the only one celebrating!"
- Choose joy this Valentine's Day because you have the ultimate gift--friends, family, and the greatest gift of all, God's care and affection.
- Choose joy this Valentine's Day because this joy is not your own human concoction. It's God-given and designed to strengthen and carry you through the storms of life. It resides in the depth of your heart...keeping you anchored.
No matter what season you find yourself in February 14, trust and believe that God intends to give you unconditional joy--a joy that extends beyond "the day of love" and momentary happiness and into a lifetime of fulfillment.
"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy."
-Psalm 63:5-7 (ESV)
