Joy

Psalm 37:4 — Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Joy

is the fullness of knowing

Your promises are true, Lord.

For this reason

I know

obedience is joy

selflessness is joy

hope is joy

suffering is joy

grief is joy

love is joy

self-denial is joy

life is joy

death is joy.

Joy in the Lord

is freedom

and comfort,

peace

and purpose,

fullness of life

humility

action

and complete faith.

Joy apart from You

is not joy in the slightest -

but in You

it is my soul’s freedom.

Amen.