I've Got the Joy

 

One of the things I've been doing each morning as I read and pray is ask God to give me His joy for that day. And over the past few months that I've prayed that prayer, I do feel fairly joyful. 

Nothing in my life has changed and I still struggle with the same financial issues, children issues, ministry and life situations but my attitude is better. I'm happier and feel lighter. I'm trusting God to work out the different circumstances and I'm doing a better job turning things over to Him and leaving them there.

I'm finding joy is the little things in my life - walking through the sun-dappled woods, crafting for a retreat, household chores, little sights and sounds around me, even in jars of beautiful jam and rows of handmade soap. I am happy. I am content. I am peaceful. 

That doesn't mean I don't have those days or nights of anxiousness, but they don't last long and I can push through them better. It reminds me of the song I learned as a child, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy; down in my heart!"

And that is a fantastic feeling!