Joy Roots

Just pause and think of all the things people find joyful. Most of them are quite harmless, even God-honoring, but real and lasting joy is found and maintained in a personal relationship with Christ. Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of the LORD is your strength." No more, no less -- just right.  Not only that, it’s rock solid -- rooted to the depths of infinity - that is, endless! When we depend on circumstances, situations, finances, or people for joy ... count on being disappointed. All those things change with the wind and the roots of such joy soon enough prove shallow. The Joy of the Lord, however, proves to be the strength needed for spiritual perseverance in withstanding even the fiercest of Satan's attacks. While The Father certainly created reminders to bring us joy -- a rainbow, a robin, beautiful sunsets, autumn leaves, laughter of children, the aroma of coffee -- He remains The True Source of all joy. We are wise and obedient to put our "joy roots" in Him alone.