Feeling Joyful

When I look at a full moon or see the stars twinkling brightly in the stillness of the night, their light is reflected in my eyes and I smile at the awesomeness of God’s creation. I feel joy when I cruise, walk or sit by a body of water; it calms my mind and soothes my soul. I feel joy and feel at my best when I am in relationship with a man, who treats me with love, respect and appreciation.

I feel joy when it is late at night into the wee hours of the morning and I am snuggled beneath a comforter in the dark, watching a good movie. I feel joy when the sun rises and I am able to work from home instead of working for someone else and commuting on public transportation. I feel joy when I go to a movie, have a slice of pizza and a rainbow Italian ice; it is my simplest pleasure. I feel joy when I walk; it is the form of exercise I enjoy the most.

I feel joy when I go to church; I love the corporate fellowship and prayers, teaching, preaching, praise and worship. I feel joy when I praise and worship anywhere, anytime; it is my portal to intimate, personal communion with God. I feel joy when I encourage others; it is what I was born to do. I feel joy when I spend time with family and friends. I feel joy when I accomplish a goal; it encourages me to go further and reach higher. I feel joy when I watch others sing and dance and when I sing and dance; it helps me release stress, get a good workout and work through issues.

Unlike happiness, which is contingent upon external happenings, joy is a divine experience of beauty, gratitude, peace and well-being that bubbles up and overflows from within.

(Jude:24-25, NLT)

"24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

Be blessed,

Jo Anne Meekins

Inspired 4 U Publications