The Joy

The joy in acknowledging, owning up to and being forgiven of my sin.

The joy in being free of the past because of the above.

The joy of regeneration because of the above.

The joy in knowing that there are consequences to sin, but the sin that caused those consequences no longer holds sway.

The joy in knowing I can handle the consequences because God handles them with me.

The joy that God can redeem what has been lost to sin.

The joy in knowing that all I can do is love others—not make them love me—and that is enough.

The joy in knowing that not everyone can, or will, love, and to have empathy for them, being grateful for those who do, along with God.

The joy of God’s peace regarding any one person so I don’t hold their inability to love or relate against them.

The joy of being able to process all the points of my journey, humbly rejoicing in how far I’ve come, understanding that many others are at one of those same points in their journey, so as to have patience.

The joy of God’s teaching compassion that I was incapable of, love that I didn't feel or understand, forgiveness that I could not begin to fathom, and patience that I am only now putting into practice.

The joy of daily conversations with the Father.

The joy of God’s affirmation as His child, loved always.

The joy of dying to self so that I can enjoy others, including myself.

The joy of Christ, who, when He took all the damage collected by me and the damage I’ve generated, upon Himself, freed me to go forth in a process of maturing renewal and rebirth.

The joy of waking up each day, first thanking God while my head is still upon the pillow that I am alive, and then rising to meet the circumstances of life in the company of the Triune God of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The joy of it all: this indescribable, unfathomable and wondrous life in Christ.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:2-5

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—” Psalm 103:1-2