Pastors Blog: Joy

Submitted by sue petro on April 5, 2010 - 9:28pm

Our theme for worship this week is joy. A great follow up to Easter if I do say so myself! When I think of joy, the word “unexpected” comes to mind. It isn’t an experience I can orchestrate. It almost always sneaks up on me, which is part of what makes it so great. There have been times in my life when I questioned my capacity for joy. Times when I felt too broken or too wounded to sustain any lasting relationship with joy. By the grace of God, I’ve overcome that fear; and as a very concrete expression of God’s love and care, I’ve been sent some gentle teachers over the years who’ve helped me grasp the important difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on the quality of circumstances. Joy is the fruit of God’s Spirit dwelling within us (Galatians 5:22). It operates independently of our performances or expectations. As I prepare for this week’s sermon, I would love to hear about some of the fullest expressions of God’s joy in your life. What brings you joy? How have you shared joy with others?

Joy

Submitted by Anonymous on April 10, 2010 - 12:48pm.
When i take Corbin for a walk, take him off his lead and watch him run. He is so free to leap over hedge grow and swim in the stream to see him be elated in his world brings me an overwhelming sense of joy.
 
Susan Ralph

 

Joy

Submitted by Anonymous on April 10, 2010 - 12:48pm.
To me joy is like a burst of delight!! Not the same as happiness. You can be happy and suddenly something or someone comes along and brings you joy. It adds to your happiness. A few of things that bring me joy-- the face of a baby, my little red dog, or a new bouquet of flowers from my husband all bring me joy. The love of God and His sending His son to die for my sins, is a sad event, but at the same times brings me joy as I know I will get to stand before Him and thank Him. And yes to answer your question, I do try to share all the joy that I can with others. That in itself brings me joy. 
 
Brenda Paul

Joy

Submitted by Anonymous on April 10, 2010 - 12:45pm.
I have shared joy with my friend by never ceasing to believe it's possibility in her life--every aspect of her amazing life! I have held it out on a platter for her taking and delighted with God as she reached out and received it.
 
Maureen DeCorte Hall