I'm looking forward to going away this week. We attend a conference every February in Elkton, Maryland. It's always a great time. The best part of the week is spending time with friends we don't see often.
Sometimes, being away from daily routine helps me find perspective. Sometimes, I even locate my joy. Dwayne preached a great sermon this morning on joy. He contrasted joy with happiness. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. It's external and moves inward. (I'm happy because everything is going my way.) Joy, on the other hand, comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and works its way outwards. It's not dependent on circumstance. Joy can be experienced during difficult situations. Dwayne was born joyful. It's his nature but he continues to grow in that grace. I'll never catch up but it's important for me to look for and experience God’s joy. Nehemiah said this: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
If joy is my strength, then I need to defend it.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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