Altogether Joyful

From a distance, the things we describe as joyful can appear quite silly. Consider some of America's favorite past times: dodging and outrunning opponents while carrying a ball across a painted field; striking a white dimpled ball with a metal stick toward a small shallow hole; driving a car terribly fast for hours around in circles; traveling many miles to ooh-and-aah at colors of dead and dying leaves. Yeah, I get it - we love these things, but they do sound a bit foolish. What about that which is altogether and eternally joyfully - no game-over, match finished, winner's lap or barren trees. Nehemiah wrote, "The Joy of the LORD is your Strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). Then Jesus Himself said, "If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love ... My Joy and Delight may be in you, and your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing." (John 15:10-11). I like how Jesus describes His Joy - full, complete, overflowing! Instead of counting on circumstances-situations-finances-relationships that fail and disappointment, Christ offers strong and lasting joy like none other. Now, I know The Father has given us joyful things while we're here: a rainbow, sunsets, autumn leaves, the aroma of coffee, and yes, football and golf. Let'snot forget nor neglect, however, The real Joy-Given: He is Altogether Joyful!