Joy Roots

From MWB Archives (Oct 2013). Isn't it amazing at the past-times which people find … joyful? Have you ever stepped back and took a real serious look at how Americans spend their free time? What about hitting a small white dimpled ball with a stick towards a small shallow hole hundreds of yards away? Or how about spending hours in your car on curvy mountain road [with hundreds of other cars] admiring colorful dying leaves? Of course, these activities bring people joy, even though when you really think about it ... it really doesn't sound so joyful.Any way you twist or turn it, real lasting joy is wrapped up only Jesus Christ. Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of the LORD is your strength." No more, no less -- just right. Not only that, His joy is steadfast -- rooted to the depth of infinity ... and beyond! When we depend on circumstances, situations, finances, or people for joy ... count on being disappointed and disillusioned. All those things change with the wind and the roots of such joy prove shallow soon enough. The Joy of the Lord, however, proves to be the strength needed for our spirits to withstand even the fiercest of the enemy's snarls. While The Father certainly created reminders of where real joy is -- a rainbow, beautiful sunsets, autumn leaves, laughter of children, aroma of coffee -- He remains the True Source of all joy. We are wise and obedient to put our "joy roots" in Him alone.