When sorrow is your constant companion darkness has its own beauty. Glimmers of light appreciated differently than can be experienced in a cloud free, cerulean sky.
We are taught to fear the dark. To watch leery for dangers that lurk in the night. Alone in darkness is frightening. Fear we believe in. We live in. Strength something we strive for.
We turn our back to sorrow in others, in ourselves. Sadness scares us; it may be catching. We can’t get too close it may seep into our pores and invade the lawn of our well-manicured lives.
We gaze toward happiness as a destination. That realm just out of reach where we disembark when everything is going just right. We laugh, we sing out loud, giddy in the sunlit boulevard, yet are repeatedly surprised as we find ourselves tourists. Just passing through. Life happens and we’re plunging into a valley. Somewhere in-between not at all ok and need to cry.
We watch joyful people with envy. Certain sorrow has never touched that life. The smile too genuine to be tarnished with misfortune.
Happiness happens to us. It is fleeting. It is dependent.
Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being.
We choose joy. We live in joy.
Joy independent of circumstances.
Joyful people choose gratitude. Joyful people choose thankfulness. Joyful humans chase joy and catch her every single time.
Joy is in the Spirit.
If you’re looking for a reason to find God. It’s joy.
Psalm 97:11 – Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
purelyjoyous living 