Joy

Joy.  How many of us possess this?  Do we really even know what joy is?  According to the Webster dictionary joy is an emotion that is evoked by the prospect of acquiring the desire of your heart (noun) or to experience great pleasure (verb).  When we were kids our joy mostly depended on whether or not we got that special toy, was the first one chosen for a team, received a good grade on a paper at school, etc.  Our joy was obtained much easier as children.  As adults our joy tends to depend a lot on our circumstances; employment, finances, relationships (good and bad) with our spouse, children and friends.  But as Christians our joy should depend on our relationship with God not our circumstances.  Circumstances change but God is the same always. 

When we believe in Jesus Christ and search for God with all our heart we will find Him.  In Him is where our joy lies.  With God in our hearts we will always have joy; even in the darkest of circumstances.   When I look at the smiling face of my grandson, Jason, it reminds me of this.  He is paralyzed from the neck down and has limited mobility with his head and he is full of joy!  I see God’s love in his eyes and huge smile and I am blessed beyond words.  It is hard to hold back the tears when he tells me that I am his very best friend.  I know I am not the only one but he sure makes me feel like I am.

There were moments during the first few months when he was in the hospital struggling so hard to get better that depression would sneak up on him.  It was heart breaking to see the defeat in his eyes.  I have always prayed that God would heal him and I believe that He still will but the one thing that I knew Jason needed more than anything was joy.  I prayed with my broken heart for God to restore Jason’s joy.  My precious, sweet little guy’s joy was being overshadowed by his circumstances.  At his very young age he could not understand what had happened to him and why he wasn’t getting better.  I promise you, the very next day Jason was back!  He still has good days and bad but God in His great mercy and goodness restored his joy.  It was almost as good as seeing him walk. Almost. 

God has great plans for Jason and I am humbled to be a part of those plans.  I don’t know what role I am playing or will play in the future but I know I will see great things throughout the life of this child.  God didn’t leave him or forsake him.  He has been by his side through this entire event and will continue to see him through whatever lies ahead. Deuteronomy 31:8  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When things start to get you down and you feel depressed or discouraged, think about Jason.  His tremendous spirit and obvious joy will remind you of God’s love and grace through all of life’s troubles. 

01-18-09