December 16, 2021
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When I hear the word Joy, the first thing my brain jumps to is feeling happy. I instantly imagine fleeting moments of pleasure, or satisfaction... Like sitting in front of a crackling fire or smelling fresh cookies right out of the oven. Those ideas bring a smile to my face and stir up feelings of happiness for me.
But what about the times when I don’t feel so happy? Like when experiencing the loss of a loved one; missing out on an opportunity I worked hard for, or even just the morning alarm going off while it’s still dark outside. It can be hard to feel happiness in those moments… but that’s where joy comes in.
I think true joy runs deeper than feelings of happiness. In fact, I don’t believe Joy is a feeling at all. True joy is a sense of wholeness that is deeply rooted in the soul and comes from our connection with God. It is accessible to us always, because God is with us always.
Isaiah 61:3 says “To provide for those who mourn in Zion-- to give them beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of heaviness. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.”
Oaks are hardy trees with deep root systems, anchoring them securely so they can withstand many seasons of hardship and storm. With God, we become sturdy like the oak tree; able to withstand difficulty and sadness. And we are able to tap into Joy instantly, through the act of expressing gratitude.
In my darkest days, I have prayed to God, “I know you are with me. Thank you!” and in those moments, I have been filled with deep Joy.
It is an incredible gift that He has given us, and I’m grateful to be reminded of that gift this week.
Prayer: Dear God, I know You are with me always. Your love makes me sturdy like an oak tree, And in You, I can always find Joy. Thank you!
Julie Ogilvie finds Joy working with small businesses to grow their digital audiences and automate their marketing strategies. She is a proud Auntie and endlessly grateful to be living in the Valley, surrounded by family and nature.